18 Decorating Secrets

Pile On the Pillows

One pair of pillows always looks skimpy. Use two pairs, in contrasting patterns, colors, and textures.

This Los Angeles apartment's living room is by designer Melissa Warner.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Buy a Bigger Bed

Small-scale furniture only makes a small bedroom look smaller. Try a high bed and a tall headboard. Your room will grow.

This Los Angeles apartment's bedroom is by designer Melissa Warner.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Leave Cabinets Open

An open armoire is more interesting than a closed one. Let people into your secret world.

The dining room in this California house is by designer Dan Marty.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Go Dark

Dark walls do the opposite of what you'd expect: They make a small room feel bigger.

The tower room in this New York apartment is by designers Kristen Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford.

Photo Credit: James Merrell

Wallpaper Is Easy

The fastest way to make over sliding closet doors is to wallpaper them, like Melissa Warner did to turn a bedroom into her office.

The office in this Los Angeles apartment is by designer Melissa Warner.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Large Collections Need Order

Wall brackets can bring order to a large collection or odd shapes.

This master bedroom is in designer Mary Watkins Wood's California house.

Photo Credit: Thomas Loof

Use a Real Rug in the Bathroom

Use a rug instead of a bath mat. It was made to withstand a lot more wear than the occasional wet foot.

This bath is in designer Mary Watkins Wood's California house.

Photo Credit: Thomas Loof

It's Okay to Skip the Sofa

There's no rule that a living room has to have a sofa.

The living room in this Los Angeles apartment is by designer Dan Marty.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

White Works

You'll never get tired of a white room.

The living room in this New York cottage is by designer Vicente Wolf.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki

Mix Styles

A four-poster bed will take the chill out of a modern bedroom.

The master bedroom in this New York cottage is by designer Vicente Wolf.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki

Layer Your Lighting

Four lamps are better than two. You need ambient light for mood and direct light for reading.

This bedroom is in a New York apartment by designer Kirsten Fitzgibbons.

Photo Credit: James Merrell

Tuck In Your Throws

Keep throws under control. Fold them lengthwise, then in half, then tuck them into cushions.

This library is in a New York apartment by designer Kirsten Fitzgibbons.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki

Kick Your Traditional Coffee Table to the Curb

The most versatile coffee table you'll ever own is an ottoman topped with a tray.

The family room in this New York cottage is by designer Vicente Wolf.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki

Skirted Furniture Finishes a Room

Too many chair and table legs can make a room "nervous." A skirted piece or two will make it feel "grounded."

The living room in this Los Angeles apartment is by designer Melissa Warner.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Gold Is Gorgeous

Gold is back in a big way. A few accents will warm up a room, like this classic living room. The living room in this New York apartment is by designers Kirsten Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki

Plants Cheer Up a Lonely Corner

Nothing softens a lonely corner in a big room like a potted tree. This bedroom in a Los Angeles apartment is by designer Dan Marty.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Leather Lasts

The most indestructible fabric for dining chairs is leather or vinyl. Especially if you want white.

The dining room in this Los Angeles apartment is by designer Melissa Warner.

Photo Credit: Victoria Pearson

Switch Up Your Seating

Mix up the seating at your dining table. You wouldn't have eight identical chairs in your living area.

This New York house's dining room is by designer Vicente Wolf.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki