Designer Advice

Even if you’re a DIYer, you can still get help from interior designers. Here, experts from all over the state give their tips on starting a project (and seeing it through)

Begin At the Beginning
“Everyone looks for change when spring hits. After you tackle your spring cleaning, try painting (the least expensive way to make a big impact), or switching out drapery, rugs and throw pillows. When designing, I use solid textures on large upholstery pieces so that drapery and accents can easily be swapped out for a change without having to spend a lot on major pieces. Lighter colors and materials, like linen and cotton prints versus the wools and heavy velvets of winter, can make a big difference. They let in more light and add an airy quality. These items can be switched in the fall back to heavier materials and can easily be stored away in the attic for next season. You can completely change the aesthetic of a room in one afternoon.” –Jessica Becker, Jessica Becker Designs, Westerly. 917-544-6433, JessicaBeckerDesigns.com

“Establish a budget – thinking about the fact that a few good, key pieces will make a huge difference in achieving the desired outcome. Spend your money there and fill in the rest.” –Lee Chartier, Inside Style, 155 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-783-7800, InsideStyleRI.com

“Go into each room you’d like to update and close your eyes. Open them and do a quick five-second scan of the room. Identify the three things that visually bother you the most. Use them as the starting point for redecorating. This forces you to prioritize rather than feeling overwhelmed with an exhaustive list. When you start to look at each room as a whole, you’ll start to see a story emerging.” –Janelle Photopoulos, Blakely Interior Design. 119 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-789-1516, BlakelyInteriorDesign.com

“Take a look at what you have, and then look at your favorite blogger or Instagram account. Now ask yourself, do the things I have reflect what I love about this? If not, purge! You don’t love it and you never will. Look for the things that you naturally gravitate towards on your inspiration sites and don’t be afraid to collect the perfect pieces over time rather than go crazy at a sale.” –Jill Gebhart, Found Providence, 401-887-2019, FoundProvidence.com

Fill (But Don’t Overfill) a Space
“It really boils down to the basics of smart space planning and ensuring the furniture is scaled properly. People have the misconception you need to have every wall filled with a piece of furniture, when in reality, your best bet may be to remove a few pieces that feel off-scale, pull the furniture away from the walls and float them for a streamlined and clutter-free space!”
–Janelle Photopoulos

“Less is more if you can get away with it. Rather than squeeze too many sofas and chairs into a room for extra seating, purchase some fun poofs or ottomans. They’re great extra seating and can be tucked under coffee tables or consoles when not in use. Garden stools also make great extra seating in a pinch and double as side tables.” –Jessica Becker

Don’t Forget the Details
“Wallpaper continues to be a strong trend. From archived prints to digital murals, wallpaper makes it way into all my projects. I like using bold patterns in smaller spaces such as powder rooms and in entryways. Because we don’t spend as much time in these spaces, we won’t grow tired of a bold pattern or color. Why settle for an accent wall when you could have an accent room?” –Joshua Shockley, Joshua Shockley Interior Design, Providence. 401-743-6296, JoshuaShockley.com

“Texture is what brings the depth to a room. It comes in many forms: high gloss or matte paint, glass or metal fixtures, soft or sisal carpeting, different fabrics, the stone on your fireplace. Hone your mind to start looking for these in the same way we use color. A large shell your kids found at the beach can be placed on the coffee table for a natural texture in the room. Paint grandma’s rocking chair in a high gloss navy. You want to be on the cutting edge of design? Mix up the room and the mind’s eye with the unexpected texture of contemporary high gloss paint on an older piece. Now we are talking designer room!” –Sherry Pierce, Watch Hill Designs. 140 Main Street, Westerly. 401-596-9282, WatchHillDesigns.com

“A good rule of thumb is to find an accent color you love and use it in at least three places in the room. Some easy ideas include placing a colorful teapot, flowerpot or fruit bowl in the kitchen; laying a bright throw blanket over the back of a couch, layering colorful pillows or incorporating area rugs.” –Debora Stevens, The Color House. Locations in North Kingstown, Wakefield and Cranston. TheColorHouse.com

Design Trends
“I love the use of stencils to create a focal wall. They are easily customizable, not a huge investment, create impact, and can easily be painted over if you tire of them.” –Janelle Photopoulos

“I love pattern on pattern. Trina Turk and Kate Spade marry the most amazing patterns in their designs. Stripes paired with polka dots, animal prints and ikats, paisley with ticking stripe –I could go on and on. The layering of big bold patterns and bright colors is going to be on trend this spring and summer.” –Jill Gebhart

“Terrariums are my new favorite thing. For someone who doesn’t have a green thumb, or who is nervous about pets ingesting poisonous plants, hanging terrariums will add a little life to your space without requiring a lot of maintenance. They’re fun to make and they lend a modern look to any space.” –Jessica Becker

“Light and airy spaces, the blending of old and new, and my favorite, coastal. Coastal doesn’t have to mean lighthouses and shells – it can also mean ‘old sea captain’ – which allows the blending in of antiques for an elegant but comfortable feeling.” –Lee Chartier