In earlier interviews for this newspaper's Ask the Expert column, designer Tobi Fairley of Little Rock has offered advice on an array of design issues:
COLOR
"I don't know if there really are any hard and fast rules for using color. My advice about using color is to try lots of combinations and find the ones that inspire you."
ADDING TO A KITCHEN
"The real key is to find ways to incorporate color that won't interfere with your perception of your kitchen's cleanliness."
"One approach for those who have a breakfast or other eat-in area within their kitchen space is to find a fabric that creates a color palette you adore and begin with upholstery on the seats and backs of bar stools or breakfast chairs or a built-in banquette and work your way out from there."
"Other ways to introduce color into a kitchen design include adding it on backsplash tiles, pendant light shades and artwork."
ODDLY SHAPED SPACES
"Start by wrapping the rooms in one color," Fairley said of adjoining rooms with vastly different ceiling heights. "Using the same paint color for the walls, ceiling and trim in both areas will create a seamless look that allows the eye to flow from one space to the other in a continuous uninterrupted fashion."
"Just as the palette should be seamless, so should the decorating theme, which calls for coordinating furniture, artwork and accessories."
CLUTTER
"Think a bit about whether ... furniture and decorative items in the room [are] serving you well. Everything in your home should have its place, and if it doesn't you're likely to be covered up with clutter. Carefully planned organization makes you feel free and boosts your quality of life."
LIMITED SPACE
"Make sure you are only storing items that you truly need and use on a regular basis. Editing and re-editing is never a bad idea and can keep you from wasting valuable storage space," she said.
"Reduce hangers by using multi-rack ones for pants and skirts. If you have belts or ties, consolidate them with racks that can hang on either a closet wall or the rod. I would suggest adding shoe racks over the door and along the floor to keep your shoes in place and visible."
ON REFRESHING A HOME
"Try to visualize the space looking and feeling exactly the way you want it to. Draw inspiration from magazines, nature, art -- everywhere. Identify changes that can be easily made. Painting your walls is a way to get major bang for your buck. Take a look at any of the furniture that's functioning well for you and ask yourself if it could be spruced up with paint or a new fabric. If your room is mostly neutral, consider using these re-purposed items as your 'pops' of color and do something bold and unexpected with them."
"Shop for new accessories, especially keeping an eye out for great new lamps, throw pillows or artwork that will really infuse your space with the new vibe you're creating."
-- Linda S. Haymes
HomeStyle on 02/06/2016