Family-Friendly
Yep, white furniture can work in a house with kids.

Just choose durable fabrics (a leather couch) and surfaces (the plastic rocker, the lacquer table) that wipe clean easily.


Statement Rug

The key to subtle color lays at your feet. A patterned carpet plays up the neutral furniture in a New Jersey home, while a similarly-hued pillow adds another punch to the armchair.


Fast Fixes
Makeover a room by rethinking the pieces you already have.

Use up leftover wall paint on the frame of an old chair or refresh curtains and pillows by sewing fancy trim along the edge.


Sheer Curtains
The quickest way to let light in starts at the source. Replace heavy fabric curtains with gauzy ones, making sure the panels go all the way to the floor.

To accentuate a tall ceiling, mount the drapes about a foot above windows and doors.