DOS & DON’TS OF DECORATING

After years of experience in building décor for Anthropologie, creating event displays in Sydney, Australia, and drawing floor plans for a local contractor, this talented Baltimore native has landed happily at the beach. In addition to celebrating the joy and inspiration she’s found here, Liz Ottey shares some tips she learned along the way.

Do: Focus on the things you love.

Don’t: Overdo it!

As your designer, I want to create a space that is uniquely yours, so it’s important to understand what matters to you. For example, if you love plants, use them as art—but do so sparingly. Don’t overdo it! Too many plants can be junky and make it feel like you’re in a jungle. Unless that’s the look you’re going for, all you need are a few touches of greenery here and there. Another plant/art tip: just because a wall or space is empty, that doesn’t mean you need to fill it up. For me, less is more. Subtle hints of nature are just what you need to warm up a space, especially at the beach.

Do: Buy new pieces.

Don’t: Get rid of all your old stuff.

New furniture or accessories can be the perfect way to add a focal point to the room or to pull a look together. A vanity light might be just okay on its own, but when it’s paired with a new mirror, artwork, or area rug, the whole space is elevated. With that said, I’m begging you to hang on to a few old pieces because some of the old stuff is the greatest. In fact, mixing old with new is an ideal way to achieve a style that is truly unique. Want some examples? Turn your three-drawer chest into a foyer table, or choose a new upholstery fabric for that old chair Grandpa gave you. Mix this with a unique side table and you’ve got a reading corner with sentimental value.

Do: Choose colors you love.

Don’t: Go too wild.

It’s important to choose tones that fit your preferences because colors contribute to our sense of well-being. Think about how colors will be incorporated across various metals, patterns, and styles. When it comes to color, avoiding tunnel vision may be the most important piece of advice I can provide. You don’t want to create a flat space, but that’s exactly what you’ll get if you choose one color (and tone) and put it everywhere. Just because your walls are grey, that doesn’t mean your couch, floor tile, cabinets, and area rugs have to be grey too. Think of it like the hair on your head, which tends to be a variety of subtle shades. Likewise, you want to mix coordinating tones or introduce some fun complementary colors into your décor.

PRO TIP

Always be you-nique. Paint your kitchen island in a contrasting color or put your own spin on the classic shiplap by installing it vertically instead of horizontally. Paint it in two tones to elevate your statement.