Sara Veety of Raleigh’s Clover Hill Interiors shares decorating advice

Sara Veety

Clover Hill Interiors, Raleigh

314-680-9783, cloverhillinteriors.com

My design signature: In three words: personal, comfortable and functional. One way I accomplish this is by using vintage and antique furniture, lighting, accessories and artwork in my projects. These pieces are essential to adding character and life to a home.

Favorite room in your home and why: Our dining room is my favorite because it contains some of my most beloved items: a 19th century hutch, midcentury Thonet dining chairs and original ceramic art by Amy Meya of Missouri, where I lived for 16 years.

Where in a house is decorating or renovation money best spent? It depends on how long you plan to stay in your home. If it’s long term, renovation money is best spent on updating the kitchen and bathrooms. If it’s short term, I would spend money on a new front door and updated lighting and plumbing fixtures.

Best way to make a statement on a porch: Add an old wood porch swing or 1950s metal glider, colorful outdoor pillows, lush potted greenery and a few large lanterns with candles.

Best $500 decor refresher: Replace unattractive light fixtures. Lighting has a substantial effect on the feeling and appearance of a room. I love milk glass schoolhouse ceiling fixtures in hallways, lantern-style pendants in foyers and swing arm wall lamps in bedrooms.

Best way to add a pop of color: Decorative pillows or throw blankets are the quickest and easiest way to add a pop of color in a room. Some of my other favorite sources of color are unique pieces of art, accent furniture, lamps and books.

Favorite source of design inspiration (blog, magazine, person): Right now I get most of my design inspiration on Instagram. Check out @jennykomenda, @sweeten_home and @scoutandnimble. My favorite design magazine is House Beautiful and my favorite designers are Thom Filicia, Sarah Richardson and Lauren Liess.

Wood or carpet: Always hardwood.

Favorite way to make a centerpiece: A vintage white ironstone soup tureen filled with fresh cut flowers.

Tool you cannot live without: Jigsaw. It is less intimidating than a circular saw and I can use it to trim wood for lots of projects. I’ve used it for built-in bookcases, window valances, banquette cushions, headboards and once to make a giant snail for a Slow Food fundraiser event.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 4:56 AM.