11 Steps to a Well-Designed Room

By Emily Lapkin

Designers say that sometimes an item you already have and love can become their inspiration for the rest of the room. "It can be one tile, one chair or one pillow; it depends on who it is, what they like and what they've got and we go from there," explains Katie Leavy.

What looks do your favorite things inspire? Maybe Grandpa's handsome desk would be more at home in a '40s-themed home office. Perhaps the rustic seascape you picked up on your honeymoon could become the centerpiece of a beach-cottage bedroom. Or a vase of your prize roses might look just right in an English country living room surrounded by lots of floral upholstery.