100 DECORATING TIPS FROM BEST INTERIOR DESIGNERS 2/10

Part two of 100 very useful decorating tips from best interior designers gathered by HouseBeautiful.

While looking at one of my first New York apartments, David Hicks told me diplomatically: “ Dear boy, if you’re going to paint the walls white, you need art” – Peter Dunham
If you have a painting that looks too small above your sofa, don’t center it. Offset it a few inches to the left. The negative space – called “ma” – becomes part of the image –Richard Mishaan
The only time white curtain lining should be used is with white curtains – J. Randall Powers
I have a lot of dogs, so I take the same fabric that’s on the sofa and make a blanket that covers almost its entire length. This way my dogs can lounge on the sofa, andijust take it off when i have guests – Carolyne Roehm
Displaying any collection, small or large, calls for ruthless editing. Always ask yourself, “Do I love it, does it enhance my life and canilive without it?” Restraint calms the eye and gives everything a sense of purpose – Amy Lau
Every room needs a touch of black, just as it needs at least one antique piece – Jan Showers
A good paint formula for ceilings is the trim color plus 50% white – Allison Caccoma
Never use a sconce over a mirror in the bathroom – it will cast unflattering shadows across the face. Sconces that flank the mirror will give a more realistic and flattering light – Rob Southern
Use recessed lighting sparingly. Too many fixtures will turn your ceiling into a Swiss cheese! –Anthony Baratta
Don’t install carpet wall-to-wall in a narrow hall or on a narrow staircase. Instead, install the carpet as a runner and leave at least 3’’ border on both sides to make the space seem wider –Elissa Cullman