Compiled by Kenrya Rankin

The parade of popular home design shows running rampant on TV has helped whet our appetites for taking our abodes from mediocre to magnificent. But we all know it’s not as simple as it looks. So we tapped a few of our favorite interior designers to school us on dos, dont’s and popular trends.

ERIN ALEXANDER
earthwiseinteriordesign.com

Cool project… I designed Bellezza di Terra Organic & Natural Spa in Bethesda. The walls are painted with no- and low- VOC paint, and the focus wall is covered with American Clay, which absorbs airborne toxins. The cabinets are custom bamboo plywood, and we constructed the pedicure area with recycled glass tile.

Secret for over-the- top spaces… I use Chinese astrology to find the right color and the correct blend of yin and yang for my clients. For instance, I had a client who was very shy and had a lot of earth element traits, so I used fire colors to draw her out.

Mistake rookies make… Not having a plan. You need a theme for each room so that the house flows.

Budgeting tip… Every person has products that they want to have the best of, and products that don’t matter as much. The first step is determining what you want to spend on and what you don’t.

My design style… Funki Shui. I use elements of wood, metal, water, fire, and earth, and blend natural materials with modern style.

Trend I love… Repurposing. Not going to the fl ea market and getting an old beat-up piece of furniture and painting it, but getting really creative. I cut an expensive headboard into pieces and made a breakfast nook bar.

Splurge on… An organic mattress. We sleep for eight hours a day; it’s important to not breathe in toxic chemicals.