Unexpected Design Ideas for Chic Spaces

Solve common decorating dilemmas with fresh advice from designer Kim Myles.

PHOTO

Kim Myles arranges candlesticks for a makeover on Myles of Style.
Design Dilemma: You've chosen colors for every room in your home, but you don't know how to make them "flow."
Kim's DIY Solution: Forget the flow!

As long as you've chosen colors that complement each other, forget about the need to make your entire house flow. A matchy-matchy style is the quickest way to get bored with your interiors, so release yourself from the design police and do what makes you feel good about your space.

Design Dilemma: You don't have much closet space but you need extra storage.
Kim's DIY Solution: Storage in (almost) plain sight


Create storage, instantly and anywhere by choosing the shortest wall in a room, and hanging a curtain rod from the ceiling about two-feet from the wall. Hang a wall-to-wall curtain to conceal this space. Choose any material: a pattern, silk, velvet — anything but a sheer so you can hide the storage within the space you've created.


Alternatively, if you have a bland armoire or storage closet, consider it a part of the room's design by treating the doors with decoupage, beautiful paper or an artistic paint treatment.

PHOTO

You can easily recreate the look of this wallpaper with a similar textile and liquid starch.
  
Design Dilemma: You rent and can't paint, but want to bring color to your apartment's bland walls.
Kim's DIY Solution: Fabric wallpaper that doesn't damage walls

1. Buy inexpensive, colorful fabric — enough to cover at least one wall.

2. Wash the fabric first so the color won't transfer.

3. Apply liquid starch onto the wall with a paint roller. Note: The starch adheres better if the paint isn't an eggshell finish.

4. Smooth your fabric onto the wall and apply a second coat of liquid starch on top.

5. Let it dry — instant wallpaper!

6. When it's time to move on, dampen the fabric with a sponge and peel it off.