Inside design: Lynn Spence

S@H: How do we fill the room?
LS: Buying classic furniture is another principle. Whimsy is far better reserved for lamps and throw cushions than sofas and chairs. You want your key pieces to move with you from house to house and from style to style. When the body of a sofa is great, you'll have it forever, though you may have the cushions redone or the piece reupholstered. My two rules are clean lines and small arms. In fact, the smaller, the better. The last thing you want is bulbous arms on your sofa -- they eat up a lot of space, and the look will grow tired very quickly.

Same thing applies to chairs -- clean lines and classic shapes. And here's a tip: if you find a chair you love, buy two. Chances are, you'll want to put them together with a small table. If you don't have room for both, stick one in an office or bathroom.

S@H: So what part does modernity play?
LS: A big one. That's another design basics lesson: have something modern in every room, whether it's a lamp, sculpture or sphere. When you adhere to good, solid design principles, the presence of something contemporary startles and excites. And that's what we want, isn't it?

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Decorating no-no's
Here are four faux pas Lynn Spence never ever wants to see in anyone's home. (You've been warned!)

1 Wallpaper border or paint techniques
"Imagine your walls as a clean canvas," says Lynn. "The goal is not to hide the natural architectural features of a home with these treatments. Instead, let those features stand out."

2 Southwestern decor
"I feel anxious just thinking about it," she says. Themes are dangerous and run the risk of becoming tired. Moderation is key. "If you love the look of the south of France, incorporate small touches. Show us your travels by mixing elements into your design basics," says Lynn.

3 Swagged draperies
"Nothing dates a room more. Polyester sheers are also a don't. Invest in beautiful natural fabrics like silk and linen and let them fall naturally. A drapery panel is the finishing touch on a window."

4 Asymmetry
"I'm naturally symmetrical. In fact, my New Year's resolution was to become less symmetrical. But you have to master the rules before you can break them," says Lynn. So, if in doubt, even it out.