On Design | Small renovations can make a big difference

Bookshelves are not just for books. Try incorporating interesting accessories, such as picture frames or small collectibles, to break up the groupings. CARLKERRIDGECourtesyphotobyKnottingHillInteriors

While full renovations allow for good measures of imagination and creativity, sometimes seemingly small changes or additions to a space can make a room feel brand new again. This months reader questions and my answers will show you a few inspired ways you can refresh your home.

Question | I own many pieces of art in various sizes. How can I display these pieces in a way that complements the art and the space?

Answer | My first piece of advice is not to stress over art. It is a movable piece of dcor that can be figured out through trial and error. Hanging art at eye-level is a custom taken from art galleries that allows viewers to observe the full piece at once. If a rooms primary purpose will be for sitting, hang select art somewhat lower at a seated eye-level for the same purpose. As a general rule, art should be centered with furniture or architectural elements of the home.

If you do not have large pieces of artwork, try creating a gallery wall of smaller framed artwork. A gallery features identical or similar frames in a grid and works best with art that repeats a theme, such as color-blocking or pictured subjects. A gallery can be a group of fine art, famed photographs, antique art, and objects used together to create an eclectic and eye-catching wall.

Q. | My husband and I want to change our living room by rearranging the furniture. Do you have any space-planning tips?

A. | Proper planning is extremely important in order to ensure overall cohesion of the space. Two critical components of polished interiors are the floor plan and a rooms focal point. The best arrangements provide the right kind of seating where needed, placement that allows you and your guests to easily converse, a table within arms reach of most seats, and a clear sight line to the rooms focal point whether it is a beautiful view, fireplace or the television.

Take proper measurements of the room and furniture. You will want to consider the location of immovable structures of the space such as doors, stairs and electrical sockets, as these will determine where certain pieces can be placed. Walkways need to remain unobstructed to ease traffic flow. With these steps prepped and executed, you can arrange pieces to focus attention toward your desired focal point.

A natural-looking arrangement that equates to comfort and flow is key. My designers and I often try various sketches or other visuals to explore all of the options upfront.

Q. | My family is full of avid readers and we have a lot of books. How can we display our books so they will not be cluttered on a bookshelf?

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On Design | Small renovations can make a big difference