Craig Wright: Architecture is his number one concern followed by furniture, lighting, carpets, fabrics, window treatments and paint colors.



Thomas Pheasant: It's all about color. Pick a palette and work with it, adding different textures to create different looks.

Alexa Hampton: Determine the furniture plan first, then the fabrics and finally paint colors. Not to be forgotten is lighting, an area that should be incorporated into the design from the beginning.

Lee F. Mindel: Start with a blank canvas by emptying out the room, and add things back one by one. The space will gradually evolve, inspiring you with new ideas.

Stephen Sills: Use simple objects, such as rocks or stones, with interesting forms as room accents. Combine this with a beautiful color scheme for an economical design solution.

Juan Pablo Molyneux: Color can be used inexpensively to create a myriad of looks. It can be as unpretentious as a background or as dramatic as a painted floor or wainscot.

Elissa Cullman: A home needs to contain comfortable living spaces to be successful. This could be as simple as having a chair with a lamp nearby and table to rest your drink on. Furniture should be grouped to be functional and comfy.

Thad Hayes: Understand the client's lifestyle, desires and expectations, and plan the living space around that. Combine this learning with the various pieces of furniture and art that they plan on reusing.

Mariette Himes Gomez: Don't ignore the windows in a house. Ensure the window coverings maximize the light in a room.

Geoffrey Bradfield: He encourages his customers to decorate with and invest in original pieces of art. Art is an investment that very rarely depreciates.