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TOP TEN Decorating Do's and Don'ts
by Nina Petronzio of Plush Home in West Hollywood, California


1. Artwork:

Don't fall into the trap of placing random artwork on your walls without a plan. I know it's tempting to hang the water color you commissioned of yourself in Belize, or the production still from Titanic that your neighbor gave you, or even your Grandmother's first oil painting of your childhood dog, but resist the temptation - don't do it.

Do make sure that framing, color scheme, and size make perfect sense to your décor. Measure out your hanging space before purchasing your artwork to make sure that the piece doesn't look awkwardly large or small for the wall area.

2. California Beige:

Don't get stuck in Beige. When Michael Taylor started the "California Beige" look in the mid-seventies, it was a simple and soothing option to the Hippie Psychedelic colors of that generation. But, now that this look is reaching it's 30th birthday, it's time to hang up the beige chenille. Even if your bedroom overlooks the Pacific Ocean, there are many other ways to create a "beachy feel" without giving in to a look that is now even signature to every other track model home.

Do add accent colors to your walls and furniture. Color will help add dimension, interest, richness, and life to your living space.

3. Chachakas:

Don't clutter your space. I have some very simple solutions to Chachakas - Goodwill, Out of the Closet, or any number of local charities in your area. Your entire house should not be a museum documenting family vacations, Valentine's bears, and sea shells. Sentimental pieces are best confined to a specific cabinet or room - again, only if they make sense to the décor of your room.

Do make storage space under your bed. If you really can't bare to be far from your ceramic David statue, then store it away in a special chest that you keep in your closet.

4. Have a Plan:

Don't impulse buy furniture without knowing your floor plan and what colors you plan on using throughout your space (usually 5-7), unless you have the luxury of disposing your furniture as you would your wardrobe. It pains me when someone is forced to plan their entire room based on a bargain find retro sofa that may not even fit their space or that clashes with existing furniture that they plan on keeping.

Do have a plan. If you are starting your project from scratch and haven't committed to furniture yet, then always start with the fabrics. There are many more paint colors than there are beautiful fabrics - unless you own your own silk looming company in the South of France.

5. Family Photos:

Don't subject your guests to images of yourself. Your home should always be a reflection of who you are, so let your décor speak for itself and chill out on the self portraits. Pianos, bookshelves, and mantels are certainly not open season to document your family tree, photos of you and random celebrities, or 10-year old bathing suit glam shots.

Do take the time to select elegant frames for selectively placed photos. A few framed photographs add a wonderful accent to any home, but kindly note the words "a few". More personal photos are best suited for your bedroom or lined gallery style along a private hallway.

6. Greenery:

Don't scatter wimpy houseplants throughout your home, especially those in random pots. This category falls under "Living Chachakas". It's certainly noble and impressive to create life out of a small clipping, but showcase your science experiments in your greenhouse.

Do place large potted plants in baskets or pots that compliment the scheme of your space. Plants add warmth and life to any space. Embrace the greenery, just don't be wimpy about it.

7. Complete Sets:

Do not purchase complete sets of furniture from an ad in the back of the Sunday times. Keep in mind that if you buy an all-inclusive matchy, matchy set, you will destroy your chances of showing your individuality and personality through your design. I am always amused with people who are adamant about matching all their furniture wood stains to their hardwood floors. Don't exact match your shoes to your purse, and don't exact match your furniture stains.

Do mix furniture styles and wood grains to help create an ambience. Now, don't take this point too far over the edge and place a stainless steel dining chair with your Louie IX dining table, but don't be afraid to go off the textbook and have some fun.

8. Kitchen Remodeling:

Don't start renovating your kitchen before you have a very specific plan. Do not use an unlicensed contractor that is not accountable for his work. Contractors are often eager to begin demolition and are not afraid to start rebuilding without exact details. I've seen it all: a contractor who was just inches short in creating space for a washer & dryer, forcing the 5 family household to use a small stackable unit; another contractor who built the kitchen without wall plugs to accommodate for appliances; another job where the garbage disposal switch was across the room.

Do have a designer/architect put together complete plans before bidding out to a licensed contractor. Do choose out all your appliances and have exact measurements for the contractor.

9. Area Rugs:

Don't use an area rug that is too small or too large for your space. Your area rug should fit your room like a well-tailored suit. The rug doesn't have to cover the entire space, but make sure that it at least overlaps the front portion of your sofa. An area rug that only accommodates your coffee table and nothing else makes me as uncomfortable as seeing high pant legs on a formal tuxedo.

Do find a designer or store that will allow you to memo several rugs that you can view in your actual space, before making your final choice to purchase.

10. Matching Fabrics:

Do not match fabrics. Consider complimenting colors, but don't be on the nose. Unless you are designing a Holly Hobby theme room from the late eighties, do not match any fabrics. Yes, this means that your shams should not be the same fabric as your drapes and certainly do not use leftover duvet material to cover your ottoman or make into a throw.

Do be eclectic. Show your individuality and have fun with your fabric choices.




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