Interior Design

10 Decorating Secrets From Top Interior Designers

1. “While looking at one of my first New York apartments, David Hicks told me diplomatically, ‘Dear boy, if you’re going to paint the walls white, you need art”- Peter Dunham

2. “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 spaces can be a prodigious twist!”- Lindsey Coral Harper

3. “Never push furniture up against the walls. By pulling your seating arrangement in (even just a few inches) you instantly warm up a space and create flow.”- Betsy Burnham

4. “Don’t install carpet wall-to-wall in a narrow hall or on a narrow staircase. Instead, install the carpet as a runner and leave at least a 3″ border on both sides to make the space seem wider.” Elissa Cullman

5. “Best dog-proof floor covering: Cowhide. Cannot beat it, cannot hurt it.” – Jill Sharp Brinson

6. “Throughout the house: Use carnations (the iceberg lettuce of the floral world) in great quantities and with abandon. Like iceberg, they last forever, they’re available everywhere, all the time, and they’re cheap. A word of caution- don’t mix colors, and do not use those terrible ferns that always seem to be included!” – Michael Formica

7.  “Every room needs a touch of black, just as it needs at least one antique piece.” -Jan Showers

8.  “The perfect wall color is seldom the prettiest shade on the fan deck. Give that slightly drab stepsister shade a go- it will be far more interesting.” – Robin Bell

9.”I get bored without color in a room. Interesting, strong, clear colors are easier to live with in the long run than pale colors. People always think it’s the opposite, but in actuality soft colors get boring much quicker.”- Richard Keith Langham

10. “I like to use velvet on sofas and chairs because it’s so comfortable. But only low-pile velvet. If you put plush velvet on them, you’ll see the shadow of a person’s behind when they get up. Big mistake!” -Susan Ferrier