Play with patterns 
Mixing patterns intimidates a lot of people. But nothing makes a space look more professional than expertly layered patterns. Don't worry! First, read How to Mix Patterns Like a Boss. Remember to keep them in the same color family and style, and consider scale and saturation. This is one area of your interior design that's easily exchangeable to keep up with trends — think new throws or pillows. Tip: Before you commit to a pattern combination, test out samples next to each other and make sure they work together. If you're sinking serious money into one item, let that be the backdrop and put samples of other fabrics next to it.Set a focal point
All the elements of a room should work together, but you need a focal point. This area of the room makes people say "wow" when they walk in and often incorporates art or a mirror. In the photo above, I accentuated the Moroccan tile fireplace with custom glass plates above keeping with the room's color palette. Tip: Consider creating your focal point on the opposite side of the room from where you enter — the eye immediately falls there and it's a natural choice.Keep it light and airy
No matter your design style, every room benefits from feeling light and airy. That means editing your furniture and accessory choices so as to not overwhelm the room's overall look. If you've got natural light, make the most of it! If not, be sure sure incorporate light overhead and at table lamp height. Tip: Mirrors can be helpful in creating the perception of a light and airy space, even if you're limited in square footage or the room is dark.Pick a cohesive color palette
Creating an inspired color palette for your home is a big part of it looking fabulous. Start by looking in magazines and online for images that speak to you. Consider the psychology of color as you look at palettes. Tip: Repeat elements to tie a space together, such as the same shade of blue in a lamp, pillow, and art, like in the picture above.
Would you like to have a beautifully designed living room? Let us help you create a one-of-a-kind, high-end space for your home. Call 214-641-7897 or use use our website contact form. Barbara Gilbert Interiors offers DFW interior design services in Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, McKinney, Highland Park, and many other parts of North Texas. Please see a comprehensive list of the areas we serve. 
' target='_blank'>Pin it Secrets to Steal from Well Designed Living Rooms
Well designed living rooms can vary in style from contemporary to southwestern, but they share some common elements. Elegant living rooms display great design without appearing flashy or overly trendy. That’s harder than it sounds! Here is my list of secrets to steal from well designed living rooms.
Play with patterns
Mixing patterns intimidates a lot of people. But nothing makes a space look more professional than expertly layered patterns. Don’t worry! First, read How to Mix Patterns Like a Boss. Remember to keep them in the same color family and style, and consider scale and saturation. This is one area of your interior design that’s easily exchangeable to keep up with trends — think new throws or pillows.
Tip: Before you commit to a pattern combination, test out samples next to each other and make sure they work together. If you’re sinking serious money into one item, let that be the backdrop and put samples of other fabrics next to it.
Set a focal point
All the elements of a room should work together, but you need a focal point. This area of the room makes people say “wow” when they walk in and often incorporates art or a mirror. In the photo above, I accentuated the Moroccan tile fireplace with custom glass plates above keeping with the room’s color palette.
Tip: Consider creating your focal point on the opposite side of the room from where you enter — the eye immediately falls there and it’s a natural choice.
Keep it light and airy
No matter your design style, every room benefits from feeling light and airy. That means editing your furniture and accessory choices so as to not overwhelm the room’s overall look. If you’ve got natural light, make the most of it! If not, be sure sure incorporate light overhead and at table lamp height.
Tip: Mirrors can be helpful in creating the perception of a light and airy space, even if you’re limited in square footage or the room is dark.
Pick a cohesive color palette
Creating an inspired color palette for your home is a big part of it looking fabulous. Start by looking in magazines and online for images that speak to you. Consider the psychology of color as you look at palettes.
Tip: Repeat elements to tie a space together, such as the same shade of blue in a lamp, pillow, and art, like in the picture above.
Would you like to have a beautifully designed living room? Let us help you create a one-of-a-kind, high-end space for your home. Call 214-641-7897 or use use our website contact form.
Barbara Gilbert Interiors offers DFW interior design services in Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, McKinney, Highland Park, and many other parts of North Texas. Please see a comprehensive list of the areas we serve.