Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, channel your inner designer to allow your home to make a big statement.

“There’s nothing like going against the grain with your choice of bold colors, wallpaper, prints and artwork.”

Trust me it’s not as scary as it looks! Read on for some of my best tips on how to overcome your fears and make an impact in your home.

1. Add a Pop of Color

So many people are afraid of using color in their home design. With so many color options on the market, there is definitely something out there that will appeal to you and enhance a design. One of the best way to introduce color into your designs is to incorporate it in smaller ways through accent pieces. Keep your big pieces neutral and bring in a splash of color in your pillows, throws and artwork.With bright sunshine and higher temperatures ahead, there is no better room to feature as the room of the month, than this covered outdoor patio! The perfect gathering space for friends and families that is functional, yet beautifully designed with bright pops of color and pattern.

2.Breathe Life into Your Walls

Wallpaper is back and it’s not the nightmare it used to be. If wallpaper makes you nervous, use it in a smaller room that you don’t spend a lot of time in— like a powder room. I guarantee you, it’ll become one of your favorite spaces! Take a chance, I know you’ll love it and will want to continue to use it in your next design projects.

3. Bigger is Better

This is a “biggie” – no pun intended. Increasing the scale and size of lamps, artwork and accessories scares people. The majority of people tend to go way too small—so small that you miss the opportunity to take the room to the next level. Bigger, truly is better. Turn your dull furniture into staple attention grabbers by increasing select pieces, such as using 30-inch tall lamp

4. Mix and Match

There are a few tips and tricks to mixing different prints and patterns. When combining various styles, always make sure there’s a common theme that harmonizes the space. To pull off a consistent look, mix a larger print with a smaller scaled pattern for a stylish geometric effect.

5. Invest In Your Happiness

Splurge on the big pieces—sofas, wood furniture, area rugs, window treatments and lighting. While some pieces are made to fit a specific space, making an investment for more versatile or custom decor will turn your house into a home. The details in quality pieces make a huge difference in the comfort and quality of your space. I’ve learned that if you don’t buy right, you end up buying twice.

Window treatments are an aspect of design that can be underestimated and overlooked.  I’ve learned, over the years, that window treatments, when done right, always enhance the overall look and feeling of any room.  They really are the finishing touch.

Selecting the correct window treatment for your individual windows can be daunting, so here are just a few things to consider:

1. Think about the Mood of the Room

Whether it’s a living room, bedroom or an office, each window treatment should be unique to that particular space.  If you are looking to make the room feel light and airy with a sense of coziness to the space, use a lightweight fabric in color and feel.  On the other hand, if the aesthetic for the room is more classic and elegant, opt for a heavier fabric and style, which will make the room feel a touch more sophisticated.With bright sunshine and higher temperatures ahead, there is no better room to feature as the room of the month, than this covered outdoor patio! The perfect gathering space for friends and families that is functional, yet beautifully designed with bright pops of color and pattern.

2.Working with Large Windows

Oversized windows have become a huge (no pun intended) trend over the last several years.  And while we love the extra Vitamin D, they can be very tricky to dress.  In this lakeside retreat, the goal was to frame the beautiful view, have a drapery that would provide privacy and enhance the look of the overall window.  Floor to ceiling draperies were the answer and ticked all of the design boxes.

3. Choosing the Right Hardware

With a plethora of drapery rod hardware on the market, you can to from iron to wood to acrylic and way beyond.  The size of the hardwood is just as important as the material it’s made of.  Don’t go skimpy here! Select hardware that is proportionate to the window treatment and the window and will enhance the drapery it’s holding.

4. Two Story Windows

These windows may seem daunting, but honestly, two-story windows can sometimes make the biggest impact in your room design.  Every situation is different, but I do love to use floor-to-ceiling draperies than can be dramatic and will take your breath away.  Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, you can use straight panels or kick it up a notch with an oversized tie-back that will be sure to make a statement.