Decorating Do's and Don'ts Designers Part Two

Don't: Be Afraid to Splurge on Great Pieces

"Invest in one great-quality piece. It sometimes hurts in the beginning, but you end up having that piece forever, and it can really carry a room, or even an entire house."

Do: Test Paint Colors in a Big Way

"When you test paint colors in a room, make big patches so that you can really see if you need to go darker or lighter. I make mine 3 feet by 3 feet."

Don't: Ignore Architectural Details

"Respect the architecture of a space. That's not to say you can't be surprising - I might use period furniture in a modern room, but I'll make sure the lines and silhouettes are appropriate. The whole room has to hang together."

Do: Trust Your Instincts

"The late, great Antony Childs once said to me, 'Be true to yourself, and trust your instincts.' We all have different points of view - that's what makes each of us special - and our rooms should be a reflection of that."