Decorating and Design Tips From Lisa Sternfeld

Lisa Sternfeld

With soft lines, luxurious fabrics, and a painterly approach to color, pattern, and texture, the work of New York designer Lisa Sternfeld combines traditional elements with cultural and modern sensibilities. A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, she opened her own design firm, LSID, in 2006. In 2011 we named Lisa one of 20 New Traditional designers we’ve got our eye on.

Here she shares 11 smart decorating ideas that you can use in your own home.

Embrace Design Imperfections

Different colors, textures, and finishes add depth and interest to a space. Don’t shy away from a piece of furniture that’s a little rough around the edges or has a faded or chipped finish. It adds character and layers of interest when mixed with other finer pieces. There’s perfection in imperfection.

Photograph: Peter Margonelli

Add Lightweight Scale

Opt for a large clear glass statement lamp to add volume to a space without bulk. This Miro Lamp by Thomas O’Brien has great scale with lots of visual interest, but it doesn’t feel too heavy or weighted.

Carve Out Function in Your Floor Plan

Re-envision your space. This jewel-like entryway was the perfect opportunity for a special sitting area instead of a simple pass-through to the rest of the house. Changing the function of a hallway, an entryway, or even a closet opens up interesting design possibilities.

Window Treatments: Dare to Go Bare

A well-designed architectural element speaks for itself. While window treatments are always beautiful and soften a space, sometimes bare windows can be dramatic and equally as beautiful. Hopefully they’re in a room that doesn’t demand privacy.

Tame Awkward Architecture

Use low-angled ceilings and odd corners to your decorating advantage as an ideal space for creating a niche. Build out a low slanted ceiling with extra storage and a cozy reading nook. That seemingly awkward and unusable space suddenly becomes charming and functional. And the mismatched shutters we used here add a touch of whimsy!

Photograph: Peter Margonelli

Pile on Decorative Pillows

Use decorative pillows to instantly change the feeling of a sofa or chair. Choose similar colors and tones to make stronger patterns more versatile and softer on the eye. But don’t be afraid to mix.

Redo Your Hardware

Small decorative changes can have huge impact. Replace the cabinet or door hardware in your kitchen or bathroom to instantly update your space. Beautifully crafted knobs like these from Hamilton Sinkler add instant value and sophistication to a space. They are jewelry for the home.

Photograph: Courtesy of Hamilton Sinkler

Flip Fabric for a Change

Don’t be afraid to experiment with fabrics. One way isn’t the only way! I’ve often appreciated the reverse side of a fabric as much as its front. Turning this Lee Jofa “Nympheus” hand-blocked fabric inside out was a natural choice. The colors were soft and painterly on the reverse side and truly transformed the look of the chair. There is no “wrong” side when it comes to fabric unless you say so.

Photograph: Peter Margonelli

Discover Design’s Raw Beauty

A bold design decision to leave this sofa unupholstered revealed the beauty and versatility of fabrics like burlap and jute. Available at local craft and fabric stores, burlap is high on texture and charm at a price everyone can afford.

Photograph: Peter Margonelli

High-Reaching Design for Tall Ceilings

Use high ceilings to your advantage, and the sky’s the limit. A tall screen, strategically placed in a corner, creates instant drama and accentuates the height of a space. Hang a great mirror or piece of art on the screen for added visual interest. And the space behind the screen is a great secret storage spot!

Photograph: Peter Margonelli

Design Must-Have: Mirrors

A large embellished mirror is a must-have statement piece in the home. This beautifully crafted glass mirror not only reflects the colors around it, it sends soft natural light back into the space. Mirrors are a great way to add a layer of texture, scale, and shimmer to the home. Reflect on it . . .

To see more of Lisa’s designs (including some of these images in the context of the house where they were taken), visit Sophisticated Second Home.

You’ll also want to visit Lisa’s own Web site.