Decorating Secrets & Tricks, From Interior Designers - USA

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.

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.

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.

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.

White Works

You'll never get tired of a white room.
The living room in this New York cottage is by designer Vicente Wolf.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Don't Forget the Closet Lighting

Love your closets. Paint them, paper them, hang pictures in them to inspire you. And definitely light them.
This closet is in a Los Angeles apartment by designer Melissa Warner.