Summer Entertaining: 5 Haute Design Tips to Spice Up Your Home

Just as we emerge from hibernation and update our wardrobe with spring’s freshest looks, it’s also essential to make an effort to spice up your home. Spring-cleaning takes on new meaning with these five simple design tips from Shane Inman, president and senior principal designer of The Inman Company, an interior and exterior design firm located in New York City.

Family Room

Family Room

Rearrange the furniture in your living area to get a fresh take on the season. Interchange what was in the back to the front as well as use existing pieces in a fresh way. For instance, the old ottoman can easily become the new coffee table (with the addition of a tray) and the chest of drawers can be sued as a new sofa side table.

Dining Room

Dining Room

For the dining room, step out of your comfort zone and take your traditional white ceiling to a dark color that you have always loved. Scared of darker colors? Hire a tradesman to apply gold or silver leaf to your ceiling for a “theatrical” appearance.

Powder Bath

Powder Room

Since powder bathrooms are relatively small in nature, try adding or swapping out a new wallcovering for a bold color or exaggerated print. It is a great solution when limited on time. Replace your hand towels to coordinate and you will have a brand new spring look.

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Add a breath of fresh air to your master bedroom by trying your hand at bed-scaping. Purchase new bedding such as duvet cover or coverlet, sheets, cases, shames, throws and throw pillows in creatively stack, arrange and layer all of your soft goods to say luxury lives here.

Foyer

Foyer

Swap out your main piece of existing artwork for an unexpected over-sized framed mirror. The mirror will not only enhance your square-footage but the immense amount of additional light natural or artificial will have your guests mesmerized saying, “wow”!