Decorating with the Designer Guys

Lines
Regardless of whether you go with white or red walls, travel memorabilia or flea market finds, the Designer Guys say clean lines remain essential. "It's like taking away the clutter," says Steven. "Fewer objects but beautiful objects."

Chris adds useful objects to the list. "There is a trend for functional made beautiful," he explains. "A pared down simplistic approach to furniture."

Budget
No matter how much you have to spend, always buy what you love. "Never settle for something," says Steven. If you've always wanted hardwood floors, invest in them and wait to buy other pieces. There's no law that states you have to complete the entire house, or room for that matter, all at once.

The most important advice the Designer Guys offer is to have fun with your space. "Go and get what you want," says Steven.

Tips and tricks
Whatever your taste, whatever your budget, great décor follows a few basic principles:

• "Lighting can make or break a space," says Chris. Lighting can not only set the mood, but it can also hide flaws in a room by keeping those areas in the dark.

• If you have a large wall to fill, opt for a series of prints in a grouping, rather than one large piece of artwork. "You'll get the same effect for a third of the price," explains Steven.

• Eight feet between two pieces of furniture is too much. In a large space, create multiple conversation areas instead of one.

• Always have fresh flowers in the house, preferably the same kind.

• Limit the number of houseplants and keep them in the same type of pots.

Read more in Decorating & Design and Inside Design