My personal style always seems to be without boundaries, because what I love to have around me also crosses over into many areas. In terms of design, I hate it when it all looks too staged. Like runway fashion, some photos are meant to have that impact of perfected balance of color, size, texture, etc,; but too often I see people trying too hard for everyday living design. The design tip I have comes from making lists of what makes you happy, and then applying those words (color, fabrics, theme) into your room. I enjoy rearranging bookshelves, mantles, tables, desks – to include a little of everything. Stacked books, will also have a piece of driftwood from a trip, an antique pair of binoculars, a bud vase for a single flower. I also collect a baggie full of sand from every beach I’ve ever been to, and have them in small vases with candles – with labeled locations. Personalize every corner – make it your own.

My favorite design tip is something I call the Sit In. If you have an empty space that you are dying to decorate, start by sitting in the room in various spots. On the floor in the middle, on a chair in a corner or right at the door. Look at the ceiling, the floor, the lighting, the windows, etc. Then decide how you want the room to feel. You'll be surprised how easy the design starts to form in your head! After you add each layer to the room, sit in those same places. I find that you've begun to build a mental project board and you intuitively know what works and what doesn't.

My favorite design tip is something I call the Sit In. If you have an empty space that you are dying to decorate, start by sitting in the room in various spots. On the floor in the middle, on a chair in a corner or right at the door. Look at the ceiling, the floor, the lighting, the windows, etc. Then decide how you want the room to feel. You'll be surprised how easy the design starts to form in your head! After you add each layer to the room, sit in those same places. I find that you've begun to build a mental project board and you intuitively know what works and what doesn't.

My tip is simple: have a little bit of black in every room.

My design tip is to mix modern and flea market stuff!

Design a space that above all, makes you very happy.

Don’t feel constrained by what’s hot at the moment. You can always make timeless classics work. Play with color and use it not to just add contrast and pop to a space, but to help set the mood. Mix up textures- they add depth and interest. Most of all, make sure you add your personality to a space- surround yourself with things that inspire you, comfort you and make you happy. In the end, a space has to work for you so choose pieces that complement who you are and your lifestyle- you have to live there after all!

My tip may sound pretty obvious. I would say, follow your personal style. If you love it, use it. I have never had a problem with my pieces being cohesive. Everything I own reflects my personality. It's how I can have, vintage movie posters, curtains from India, an over-sized plum chenille sofa and a cutout of John Doe and Exene from X, in a single space. It works, because, it is me.

One design tip that always resonates is...fill your home with things you love and items that bring good memories.

One design tip that always resonates is...fill your home with things you love and items that bring good memories.

Love this giveaway! My design tip is to design for yourself, and not for anyone else.

Favorite Tip: Only buy what you absolutely love, not like, but LOVE. Your space will resonate your personal style and will be uniquely yours.

The photography looks great, particularly Lady Red

You've always wanted a "dream room". If only I could have this or I've always loved that. This is your time. Start with that dream and bring it to fruition. It's all about dreams and love.

My guiding lights for designing is to find CLARITY and to immerse myself in concepts of Beauty, Inspiration, Magic, Silence and Ritual.

My design traits and I guess tips are to keep things simple and minimal. Especially if you are in a large city with a small flat (as we have). Follow your personal style and keep it uncluttered!
-Sam @ riseart.com