Decorator Secrets: Design Like a Pro

HomeYet.com asked several influential interior design professionals to share their top decorating tips and go-to products for transforming an interior.

Barclay Butera, Owner, Barclay Butera Interiors
“Pillows—and lots of them! When a room needs a lift and freshening up, take a good look at your upholstery and see how it can be completely transformed by infusing the space with varied new textiles. Mix patterns in similar colorways; go ahead and use stripes on plaid, or top off a solid sofa with a genius combination of leopard or zebra. Pillows can also be used to change the seasonal feel of your room. Late summer to fall means adding deep autumnal colors such as ochre, Bordeaux and great, rich vineyard colors. Pay attention to texture as well—nubby tweeds, silky velvets and heavy linens work perfectly this time of year. To take it one step further, add a new rug, a few chunky fur and fleece throws, and you are ready for crisp fall nights!”

Gary Babcock, Vice President Fashion and Merchandising, Arhaus Furniture
“If you’re going to update a room, I always recommend changing the accessories. It’s easy and requires less of an investment. You can change the fabrics on pillows, replace table and floor lamps (or simply swap out the shade for a different shape, size and color), or introduce new lighting to the space (try a chandelier). If you’re willing to spend more money, I tell customers to replace the focal point in the room, such as the sofa or bed. Changing this one item will create an entirely new look and feel in the space.”

Nina Petronzio, Founder/Designer, Plush Home Inc.
“When getting ready to make a change to your interior space, think about the grand scheme of your project well before you make your first purchase. Make a plan and follow it. The biggest mistake I see in do-it-yourself home design is starting a project by making random and impulsive decisions. Just because the price may be right, it doesn’t guarantee that the item will work in your space. From the exterior trim to the landscaping, nothing should be done randomly. All decisions should be made based on an overall plan that will be followed throughout, even if it takes years to complete. Know your personal style, understand the architectural style of your home, and decide on a plan that allows the marriage of them both in order to create a harmonious and beautiful property.”

Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield, Owners, Woodson & Rummerfield Design
“One of our favorite home furnishings is the Sunset mirror. We originally designed it for an interior design client. After the residence was published, the mirror’s popularity spread like wildfire in the retail market. The Sunset mirror also made its debut on the silver screen in the film “Black Swan” in Natalie Portman’s character’s bedroom. In general, mirror shapes are very standard. But this doily-style design is quite chic, unique and memorable.”

Joy Tribout, Owner, Joy Tribout Interior Design
“Small things can make a big difference. I love having a few candles burning in gorgeous hurricanes, a wonderful home fragrance wafting through the air and, of course, beautiful music in the background, especially when entertaining. For easy, beautiful lighting outdoors, I tell my clients to use little, white holiday lights. They make the backyard look festive all year long.”

Eddie Lee, Owner, Eddie Lee Inc.
“A great way to breathe life into a room is to add mirror (like the bronze-tinted type shown in this small library) or wallcovering or both! I like to install mirror on the main wall in a room and wallcovering on the rest of the walls. (A great one I’ve been using lately is Phillip Jeffries’ (link to www.phillipjeffries.com) Glam Grass—grasscloth with just a bit of metallic thread.) The mirror instantly doubles the visual square footage, and the texture of the grasscloth helps keep the space grounded and inviting. My favorite way to have the mirror installed is from right above the baseboard to right below the crown, covering the entire wall. Art can be hung on fishing wire attached to the ceiling. It’s a great way to layer and add personality to the room.”

Susan Fredman, Owner, Susan Fredman Design Group/Susan Fredman at Home
“I used recycled leather tiles from EcoDomo on the floor throughout my new home. I love the rich color and texture and element of surprise it provides to those walking in for the first time.”

Kay Lang, Owner, Kay Lang + Associates
“When I’m designing a room, I want the ambiance of the room to be palpable and visceral upon entry. This is created, initially, by designing a focal point or finding a unique statement piece and creating a cohesive aesthetic around it. In selecting the textures, lighting, paint and furnishings, I deliberately veer away from trendy or overly fussy. I love color, but never want it to look dated. I focus on one color, therefore highlighting the design elements and finer details in the space.”

Ellen Sideri, Founder + CEO, ESP Trendlab
“Good finishes are the secret weapons of any design professional, whether the desired result is a low-profile or high-profile interior. On my first trip to Paris, I remember running my hand over a wall that was a stunning, super high-gloss Parisian red. Decades later, that iconic
high-gloss red is still remarkably and unforgettably engraved in my memory. On the other hand, I've seen a lot of poorly executed Venetian plaster done in the name of luxury over the past 20 years. I've come to realize that a badly executed, expensive luxury finish is worse than a simply done bit of paint. Luxury without quality is not true luxury. An authentic, quality finish brings to a room something intangible that is unmistakable to the senses!"

Frank Bence, Interior Designer, Flegel’s
One of the first things I do when I come into a room is edit. Take out a few of the old accessories that make the room look tired and cluttered. Then bring in some fresh color with a splash of the unexpected to set off what is already there and give it a new, vibrant look.