1. Create inexpensive art from vintage magazines or old books.
— Kathy Zaeske, Your Favourite Room
“Vintage magazines and old books often have neat drawings that, when framed in a grouping, provide instant character and originality. . . and it won’t break the bank!”
2. Always look at the big picture.
— Carol Standil, Carol Standil Colour & Design
“You don’t have to love every element in your room on its own. The wall colour might look drab on the chip; the area rug may not seem interesting enough; the pattern for the accent chair might feel too bold.
3. Carefully consider light switch and thermostat locations.
— Eugi Triandos, Triandos Creations
“Think about where to put your light switches and thermostats BEFORE completing electrical work and renovations. Switches and thermostats should be 36″ off the floor instead of at eye level and NEVER in the centre of a wall. They too often get in the way of hanging art.”
4. Make your television look like wall art.
— Adrienne Gerein, Interior Designs by Adrienne
“A clever way to make your over the fireplace TV work with your design… Use it as an art statement! You can upload your favourite photos (or buy professional ones off the internet) to your Smart TV. When the TV isn’t being used for its intended purpose, you can just switch over to your photo selection. Voila! No more black hole.”
5. Edit, edit, edit!
— Susan Hargraves, Rooms that Work
“When a room isn’t working, many people make the mistake of bringing in something new, when really they should be doing the very opposite. Take things away. Edit! Edit! Edit! It’s best to start by stripping the room completely, then add back one piece back at a time (starting with the largest pieces) to get the room in balance and working with the architecture.”
