Design like you dress ( Look in your closet for inspiration when decorating)

BY SUSANNA HOMAN

Kelly Edwards offers this simple advice for people struggling with home design purchases: Take your cue from your closet.

"People think they need an interior designer to plan their space," says Edwards, Chicago-based design coordinator for HGTV's "Design on a Dime," which airs at 9 p.m. Saturdays.

"An easy way to identify your style is to just look in your closet and see what kinds of colors and patterns you're drawn to, and use that as inspiration for your home."

On the show, Edwards and her team have a $1,000 budget to make over an entire room, including furniture and accessories. Edwards uses the same philosophy with her private clients.

"I consider myself a DIY girl instead of an interior designer," says Edwards, who runs her business from the Web site Kellyedwardsinc.com. "I prefer to walk into someone's house and tell them how to work with what they have and not spend a lot of money. I like to make things and go thrift store shopping. My two kitchen tables came out of the alley in the back of my house, and I garbage-picked my coffee table. I recently found the same table at an antique store for $10,000."

So where to begin?

The first step is identifying your style. "Do you go for more floral or shabby chic or eclectic looks when you dress?" asks Edwards. "Just like you want your clothes to express your personality, you want your home to express who you are. If you tend to shop at J. Crew, then your home should be classic, too."

The most telling articles of clothing are your tops, Edwards says. "Look toward your shirt; pattern and color are the first things you notice in your closet," she says. Use this as inspiration when you're choosing upholstery, like pillows, comforters, rugs and drapes.

Finally, your shoes and jewelry can guide the right choice of accent pieces. "If you're unsure, invest in neutral furniture and let accessories be like the jewelry.

"I have wood bangle bracelets and wedge sandals with polka dots. My house has the same kind of warmth with that touch of whimsy."

source: www.suntimes.com

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