Home Stylists have some pet peeves when it comes to our craft - selling or dwelling. Here's 10.


1.) Faux Greenery in Odd Areas. Always place trees or greenery in areas that they could actually GROW! Their sole faux purpose is to give the illusion they are real, therefore need photosynthesis (light) to grow.  Home Styling tip: Pop your faux tree in size appropriate woven basket, topped with Spanish moss to complete the look.

(Photo: QVC)

2.) Too High Art. When hanging art over a sofa or a case good, associate the height to the item to retain good visual contact. The display will not look right if it seems to float too high above the object - it needs to be grounded. 18" from the back of the sofa is a good rule of thumb. And slightly above the smallest arrangement for the case good.

Photo: Hayneedle

3.) The Rug Scale to Conversation Area Faux Pas. A rug can create and define a conversational grouping. Make sure that the scale of the rug is in-tune to the scale of the furniture/objects associated to it. A sofa should either be sitting on or no more than 8"away from a rug.  Just about the same size as the cocktail table is NOT a scale formula for rug size.

Photo: Mohawk

4.) Accessorizing with Evens. When accessorizing or creating vignettes, the golden rule is "Always in Odd Numbers."

(Photo: Pottery Barn)

5.) Forgetting the Focal Point. Every space has a fabulous purpose or emphasis. Focusing on the purpose and/or emphasis of the room will allow you to set the mood and arrange the furnishings and accessories properly.

Photo: Country Living Magazine

6.) Flood Window Treatments. Traditionally drapery panels are set 1/2 in. off the floor. 1" is pushing it and 3" off the floor is creating a Capri style curtain...

Photo: Overstock

7.) Being Light Challenged. Every room should have at least three light sources for the function of space. Can ceiling lights do not count. The perfect formula is to have them placed in a triangle pattern around the room; which will create movement and flow to the space.

Photo: Elle Decor

8.) Table Short. Anywhere someone sits should have a table in reach of a seated person. The exception is a transitional space such as a foyer or hall.

Photo: Home Depot

9) A Mirrored Mess. Mirrors over fireplaces, sofas, or lonely on a wall oh my... Mirrors should always reflect something beautiful - Not a ceiling fan, 2nd floor rail or blank wall. You can be excused if it is a decorative mirror that shows as art rather than function.

Photo: Source

10.) Oddly Angled Furniture. Don't think your being creative if you put it on an angle. Angles instantly slice through visionary planes, can make people psychologically feel uncomfortable, can eat up floor space and can render the piece or room function-less. Home Styling Tip: Follow the room's walls, focal point and traffic pattern for clues on how to arrange furniture. 

Photo: CR Laine

If you think FALL decorating is popping a few pumpkins here and there around the house, gentle reader – Allow me to help you reconsider.  As our seasons rotate and change, so should a bit of your home décor. Why? Because when you shake it up, rotate it out and embrace a change in your home – You change too.  By giving your space a seasonal rotation, you engaged in your home's spaces and celebrate your most important place in the universe.  Your home will return the favor by making the occupants and visitors happy and look at things renewed.

#1 - Refresh Your Textiles:

#4 - Harvest Finds.

So listen up  - your days of grabbing the plastic wrapped bed-in-the-bag are over!  Sure they’re cute and sassy and that set you saw in the Sunday paper will look totally fantastic with your freshly painted ‘Tranquil Turquoise’ bedroom.  And why not, it’s all there in a zipper locked bag, like a "seal-a-meal dinner".  Plus you have that 20% off coupon...  Hold on extreme coupon clipper, because your need to say bye-bye to bed-in-a-bags,  Why?

• You can't stick your hand in that zipper locked bag to see if the material is so scratchy it will cause injury while sleeping.
• It may be illegal to remove a tag by law, but there is no list of ingredients - who knows what that bedding is made from.
• Your Bunco friend is scouting the same set.
• You deserve better!

So here are some tips on how to buy and style a blissful bed and move on beyond a bed-in-a-bag.

PHOTO: Parachute Bedding

1. Quality is Key. The best sheets, cases and duvets are made of Egyptian cotton.  It's not about high thread count, but instead the quality of the cotton. Egyptian cotton has long fibers and produce sheets that are thin and sumptuous, yet extremely strong and long-lasting.  

2. Create A Tactile Sensation with Luxury Products.  There is nothing better than slipping into the blissful caress of cool cotton sheets, the envelope of voluptuous fluff of a down duvet, and the warm, cozy comfort of a cashmere throw. Luxury is yummy. 

3. Layer Your Bedding.  Your bed is the focal point of your bedroom. Make it look as good as it feels. Start with basic hued fundamentals: Sheets, cases and duvets in one color. Build in shams not only to layer the bed, but protect the sleeping pillows.   Add a decorative stamp of a accent pillow or two, and a throw for a pop of color and texture to complete the bedding layers. Layers create visual interest, dimension and texture.

4. Final Touches.  Restful colors, the flicker of a scented candle,  every light in your room with a dimmer switch, and an organized space, will create a cozy, relaxing room. Your resting and sleeping space should look, feel and smell blissful.

PANTONE Marsala (Photo gallery selections: Source)

PANTONE the leading authority on color has announced their color of the year. For most, you know PANTONE by seeing the PANTONE 'color and paint' display at home improvement store Lowes. But for design insiders they are the guru's of color marketing trends - From fashion and makeup to autos and appliances, their color collections are what we see transformed into new products all over the world.

PANTONE Color Studio

So this year they selected a mellow, red/brown color "Marsala".  They say: “PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a daringly inviting tone that nurtures; exuding confidence and stability while feeding the body, mind and soul. Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness" I like it! There's something exciting and a bit daring about the color and such a refresh change. We've already seen it in high end fashion, but could we incorporate into our home interiors?

Marsala Color of the Year PANTONE - Fashion (Photo: Source)

Sure, it's the color of brick, wood tones or a rich berry paint color.  So if you want to warm it up or add a bit of spice to a space - incorporate away.  If you like a more neutral backdrop, try pairing the color with cooler tones, for juxtapose pairing of warm and cool.

Marsala can be translated into Home Decor options.

PANTONE also said to pair Marsala with two other 2015 trend colors - Aquamarine and Glacier Grey.  Both of these colors have a strong presence already in home decor and perhaps already in your home.  Why not add a pop up your place with easy purchased pillows, a rug or accent accessories to add a bit of Marsala to your mix?

SPRING 2015 PANTONE COLOR TRENDS

Looking to step up for more Marsala? It could be a option for creating a statement in a space. perhaps a piece of furniture, bold window treatments, or a wallpapered accent wall. Consider this new trend color and I think you too will see - there's something about Marsala.

Hooker Furniture - Bombay Chest (Photo: Hooker Furniture)

Marsala toned fabrics and textiles by Ralph Lauren (Photo: Source)