TEN DESIGN TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

by Mary Antenucci, Allied Member ASID
Mary Antenucci Interiors, LLC

1. Formal living rooms look best with a symmetrical floor plan while casual living rooms tend to look better with an asymmetrical floor plan.

2. Wood furniture with a painted finish works best in a casual, relaxed room setting, while dark stained wood looks best in a formal room setting.

This formal living room is an example of how well a symmetrical floor plan works in this situation. The dark stained wood furniture adds an elegance that could never be achieved with a painted finish.

3. Chandeliers aren't just for the dining room or foyer, a chandelier can add romance to any room in your home.

4. Save money on design trends by creating an overall timeless, neutral look and add today's latest colors and trends using accessories.

5. A small room will appear larger if you use fewer furnishings and allow more of the floor to show. Smaller scaled furniture is a must.

6. Lighter colors appear to come forward, darker colors recede.

7. Small dining areas look larger with a glass-topped table.

8. Textiles are very important for texture, interest and warmth in clean-lined, contemporary room settings.

Look how the lighter colors in this room seem to come forward! The rug, window shades and upholstery add interest with pattern and texture to the clean contemporary styling.

9. Artwork that is very special to you needs to be displayed prominently and should not be crowded by other pieces that will detract from it.

10. Purchase the best furnishings you can afford, even if it means completing a project in stages. You won't regret it!

To view a bio and additional work samples from Mary Antenucci, click here.