Design Lessons From Mom

Designer Andreas Charalambous creates memorable spaces.

Andreas Charalambous, FORMA Design: "From an early age, Mom instilled in me the importance of style and good taste in everything, whether it was adding a fabulous shawl over a plain dress she wore to go to the grocery store, or having fresh-cut flowers in the house at all times. Our home was always impeccable, ready to receive guests at the drop of a hat, with accessories and furniture in place for maximum impact at all times. 'Always be ready in case the paparazzi appear,' she would say." See how Andreas readies spaces for the limelight at Designers' Portfolio.

Joseph Pubillones, JP Interiors: "Since I was a child, I can always remember my mother being extremely fashion-conscious. Always well-dressed from morning to night, her keen fashion sense was visible in our home. My childhood home was always fashionable — from the mod '60s filled with Danish teak furniture, to a more traditional style in the '70s with flocked damask wallpaper and sculpted velvet sofas, to the '80s featuring sleek contemporary Italian furniture and Curtis Jere accessories. Our home transitioned from one design to another, while integrating a few pieces from one decor to the next. My mother's design sense taught me about the evolution of trends and that the most important thing is that true style is timeless." See more of Joseph's timeless style in Designers' Portfolio.

Designers Don Raney and Jaymes Richardson create colorful rooms that take risks.

Don Raney and Jaymes Richardson, Civility Design: "Our mothers taught us to favor quality over quantity. The tried-and-true theory instilled in both of us by our mothers is that when it comes to furnishing your home you should always buy the best that you can afford, educate yourself and learn how to maintain and care for those furnishings. This will guarantee that your pieces will last a lifetime versus throwing your money at disposable furniture which will eventually end up on Craigslist. As Mom would say, 'If it doesn't take food off the table or clothes off your back, you can afford it.'

"Also, our Moms would say, 'Anything worth doing is worth doing right.' Take pride in your home, the projects you undertake within it and commit to doing the best job possible within your personal budget. Don't let the excuse of having pets and children stand in the way of having a complete, beautiful, functional and pulled-together home for everyone who lives there — adults, children and pets alike. Both of our mothers were appalled by other mothers who allowed children to take the entire house hostage with their toys, bikes and worst of all, outdoor play equipment in the living room (you parents know who you are!)." See more of Jaymes and Don's style in Designers' Portfolio.