Spring means new beginnings. What better time to refresh every corner of the house? Open the windows, invite in new colors, and, finally, turn to the pros for some interior advice. Ron Marvin, a New York City–based interior designer and Rue Living Inspirer, is dishing on out-of-the-box ways to work with your décor. From layering rugs to organizing with style, read on for his expert tips.
Create Layers
“Layering can take your home from average to outstanding. I do it everywhere. On your windows, layer a Roman shade or wooden blinds behind a set of draperies. Layering pillows on a bed is the quickest way to add style, pattern, and a punch of color. I’ve even started layering a smaller patterned rug right on top of a larger solid rug, like a sisal or seagrass. It makes a home feel much richer.”
Make a Statement
“Your eye naturally goes toward light. If you put multiple lamps around a room, you get the eye to travel, making the whole space seem larger. Try tucking a small one in a bookcase or using picture lights to highlight art. Mixing and matching is great, too. Use a floor lamp on one side of a sofa and a table lamp on the other side. To make an even bigger statement, try using a bold lamp, like a brightly colored porcelain one.”
Organize in Style
“Cooking is much easier when you’re organized. A bar cart with open shelves helps immensely. It provides easy access and looks chic as well. In the cabinets, I like to use baskets or plastic containers to organize supplies. I put all of my spices in one and my baking supplies in another. It’s very handy to pull them out of the cabinet and see everything at once.”
Our Designer Tips to Live By: Layer, Organize, & More Boutique opens Wednesday, April 2, at 3PM ET.
By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer
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Ron Marvin Design is a New York City–based interior-design firm. Traditional Home magazine recently named him one of its Top 20 New Traditionals, showcasing him in the launch of its new online magazine, Trad Home. Ron’s work has also been featured in Lonny magazine and the New York Times. His New York and San Francisco homes have been featured in Metropolitan Home magazine and on the HGTV show “Small Space, Big Style.” Prior to opening his firm, Ron worked for over 12 years in the visual merchandising departments at Gap, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Hold Everything, and Williams-Sonoma Home.
