10 Questions: Decorating Secrets From The N&O Design Team

Published: November 16, 2012 

Vicky Serany of Southern Studio Interior Design.

COURTESY OF VICKY SERANY

Vicky Serany

Southern Studio Interior Design, Apex

919-362-5143

southernstudio.com

Five words that describe your philosophy of design: Functional. Beautiful. Comfortable. Timeless. Collected.

How I decorate for the holidays in 30 minutes or less: Gather candles and a variety of natural materials, including seasonal flowers and cut greens. Create simple arrangements in varying heights for a quick and sophisticated holiday display.

Next big design trend: Bold color. When incorporating color into a space, remember to place it strategically and sparingly. Another key trend: bold wallcovering. We now have gorgeous wallcoverings that add a variety of texture and pattern.

Most outdated design trend: Cluttered spaces. Remember, less is often more. Also, formal living spaces. Our fast-paced lives should be comfortable.

Every home should have: Personality. A well-designed home should reflect your family. Include colors, art and accessories that provide inspiration and comfort.

My favorite recycling/repurposing project: Searching a client’s home for an old treasure with personal meaning and incorporating it into the design. Whether it’s a family heirloom or travel memory, add something that brings a sense of personal history to the space.

Flat-screen TV in the living room? If it’s important to your family, the answer is yes. There are many ways to design a room that includes a television without making it the focal point.

Best way to dress a window over a spa tub: Beautiful custom blinds with remote control. It’s worth the investment – and I need to listen to my own advice.

What most people do wrong when decorating: Ignoring the size and scale of furnishings and accessories. Paying attention to the proportions of individual pieces can immediately change the function and feel of a home.

My best tip for do-it-yourself designers: Do not begin a project until there is a comprehensive plan to complete it. There will be obstacles along the way, so plan, plan and plan some more to avoid unnecessary headaches.

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