Don't: Use White Decor If You Have Kids or Pets
"If you have pets or children, white rugs and upholstery are just not in the cards. People love the way they look but never realize that you have to hermetically seal your household to keep them clean."
Do: Find Inspiration in Your Travels
"Travel as much as you can, and stay on the alert for inspiration wherever you go - you could find a great floor plan in a museum's period room, or a color in a painting. And don't just rely on your camera. If you draw something, you'll really absorb the detail."
Don't: Forget About Seating
"Today everyone likes rooms sparse, but for a living room, you need the sorts of chairs people can pull up together, so that they want to come into the room and sit down and chat."
Do: Use Dramatic Color in a Small Space
"Color is best used in small spaces that you pass through. A dramatic color in a room where you're going to be spending a lot of time might feel too heavy or dark, but if you use it in a foyer or pantry, it makes the whole house feel colorful. It also makes the house feel bigger, because it turns a space you might not notice into one that catches your attention."