Is there such a thing as too much color or pattern in a room?
“I am a huge fan of color and pattern, as long as they go together! Map out a plan for each space, as well as for the overall home. That way you can see how the different schemes flow from room to room and within each room. If you have a hard time with color, consult a color wheel, or consider heading into a local paint shop like Farrow & Ball or Benjamin Moore for help with palettes.” — Ariel Okin
Okin designed this duplex on New York’s Upper East Side with color and pattern in mind. Case in point: the Tempaper chinoiserie wallpaper in the bedroom, which ties together the soft colors and adds a fun punch of pattern.
Photo by Seth Caplan
What are your tips on combining beloved pieces with new ones for an updated look?
“We love things from all periods mixed together. One of our favorite moves is to pair a more modern piece with vintage upholstery. Also, upholster with quilts!” — Frances Merrill, of Reath Design
Built in 1963, this Hollywood Hills home is a perfect example of mid-century done right. Here, Merrill has used a mélange of contemporary and vintage pieces.
Photo by Laure Joliet
Do you have any advice for rooms that don’t get a lot of sunlight?
“Light-hued walls — preferably neutrals — and pale furniture together with dark or colorful accents help make rooms that get little sunlight appear brighter. The accents define the space and give the eye a trajectory to travel along in the light-toned environment.” — Ahmad Abouzanat, of Projectaz
For a beach house in Amagansett, New York, Abouzanat kept the design minimal, deploying classic pieces like an Eames 670 lounge chair and ottoman and a triptych of monochrome abstractions.
Photo courtesy of Projectaz
Is there a way to make a small room appear bigger?
“It may sound counterintuitive, but using big things in small rooms works wonders! It’s about tricking the eye and the mind, especially if you have vertical space to play with.” — Michael Del Piero
For an apartment in Chicago’s Gold Coast district, Del Piero brought a few oversize statement pieces into the cozy living room to make it feel grander.
Photo by Janet Mesic Mackie
Where is the best place for a light fixture in an open-concept living area?
“I would tie together the living and dining areas or the living space and entry using a multiple-light hanging fixture, placing the lights in different spots so that the areas connect visually through the ceiling.” — Desiree Casoni
In a Miami apartment with an open layout, Casoni linked the living and dining rooms with a trio of FLOS AIM pendant lamps.
Photo by Desiree Casoni
