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Diane Stiglich, owner of Hoboken’s gem of a decor store Luna Rosa, always impresses me with her selection of chic, cozy items and the way she displays them. When you walk into her boutique, the space embraces you with it’s depth, texture, and elegance. Featuring inventory that is constantly changing and her displays rearranging, Diane has had a lot of practice in creating impeccable, inviting spaces.

Given her experience, I asked her how she picks items and combines them to craft comfortable but beautiful environments.
Here’s what she recommends:

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_Only buy what you love

If you buy something just because you think it works, you’re going to be bored with it quickly, but if you buy what you love, you’re going to be happy with it for a long time. Even if the piece doesn’t seem to work immediately, be patient. As the space fills in, those special items almost always find a home.

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_Think outside the box

The rules of decorating are actually not restrictive and rigid. Rather than trying to meet some decorating criteria, start with something you like for inspiration. Pick a pillow, a painting, a color, or a memory then use that to guide your design choices. You’ll end up with a space that’s cohesive and complementary without even trying.

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Arrange items to create visual steps

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This is one few people think about. Situate your furniture and decor to create a gradual waxing and waning in height variation. Try to think in steps, placing items from low to high. This creates a natural flow as you look around the room.

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In small spaces, think like a cubist

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When space is limited, make the most of it by placing furniture linearly. When you place furniture on angles it sacrifices needed space and can make a room feel small. Instead, think in squares, the right angles will allow your eye to travel farther, giving the appearance of more room.

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Create places for your eye to rest

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This tip is for your decor. It is always the smaller items that personalize a room and give it character. The secret is to cluster items. Create vignettes out of objects. Group them together and leave space in between. For example, if you have a bunch of family photographs, put them all on one wall. This will create a point of interest and avoid cluttering your space with haphazard displays.

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