As seen on The Sideroad: Your Road to Expert Advice : Interior Decorating

"Interior Redesign: How to Choose a One Day Decorator"

"Interior Redesign: Small Design Changes Make a Big Impact"

"Art and Home Decor"

"How to Decorate a Studio Apartment"

"How to Choose the Right White for Your Walls"

As seen on Homekeeping 101, the online shelter magazine:

"Interior Design Resolutions"

Turn Your Clutter into Collections to
Accessorize Your Room with Impact

Clutter is not about how many accessories are in the room, but rather how they are displayed and presented. Find common elements such as color, type of object, vintage period, or theme - and display a group of accessories as a collection. This will provide an interesting "mini" focal point in the room where your guests will be inclined to pause and enjoy your treasures as much as you do.

The Balancing Act

A well-balanced room is an important element of good design, but, if you rely too much on "twins" to achieve balance, you're likely to end up with a room that is far more formal than today's casual lifestyles favor.  Informal balance - using objects of equal "visual weight" to achieve balance - will make your room more inviting and more interesting, as well. 

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

A great way to make a long, narrow, tunnel-like entry hall feel more inviting is to create an interesting vignette at the far end to serve as a focal point that will draw people into your home.  Start with a narrow chest or console. Complete the scene by placing a pretty box or a vase of flowers on top and hang an intriguing piece of art above. The next step - and the most important element - is lighting. Use just enough general lighting in the hallway for safety and bring the vignette to life with dramatic feature lighting, literally beckoning your guests into your home with the light at the end of the tunnel.

A Change in Tempo

Want to energize a bland room?  Try introducing higher contrast or bolder colors. Layer in accessories, some interesting coordinated fabrics in the form of throws and pillows, and some new textures. Replace large artwork with a grouping that will add motion to the room.

Finding it hard to relax? Make the room quieter by replacing high contrast colors with a monochromatic scheme or toning down the color with a more muted version. Try simplifying the lines in the room and paring down accessories. Get those bookcases in shape, with all books flush to the front of the shelves in size order, and create some empty wall and tabletop space where the eye can rest.

Have decorating questions? Peggy Berk is the featured designer on the Home Decor Exchange, answering your decorating questions.
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Contact Peggy at 917-754-6535 or by email at pberk@areaaesthetics.com