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    It’s okay to have a style change of heart. Always be prepared to say ‘that isn’t me anymore,’ and accept that as everything else has evolved, so has your taste.

  • living room

    Does it really gladden your heart to walk into a room with white walls, or do you want something that reminds you of being outside? If so, you might start looking at green for the walls. 

  • Michael Payne

    Michael Payne is host of HGTV's Designing for the Sexes.


Michael Payne
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Michael Payne is host of HGTV's Designing for the Sexes.

 

The Art of Simplicity

From a “less is more” decorating philosophy to a love of “simplicity of line,” HGTV Host Michael Payne espouses the virtues of streamlined design eclecticism, and he reiterates the importance of making every inch of space count. “There is real beauty in simplicity, and I think the cleaner you make a room, the more beautiful it becomes,” he says. 

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  • Michael Payne's Recipe for a Successful Redesign

    The host of HGTV's Designing for the Sexes offers tips on designing a room that reflects who you are.

    by Cindy Hodnett

    HGTV’s Designing for the Sexes host Michael Payne is famous for helping couples create comfortable rooms, and his down-to-earth approach to design remains popular with a wide audience. Here, Payne offers practical suggestions for creating comfortable interiors.

     

    Planning Makes Perfect

    When considering an interior design project, you should spend time planning your project and researching the furniture you want to buy so you can determine what appeals to you, says Payne. However, he adds that instead of focusing on a particular item or era, you should consider what you want the design to accomplish for you and your room.

     

    Reduce, Then Reuse, but Only if You Love It

    “I have a true belief that everybody has way too much stuff,” Payne says. “Think about it—if an artist is going to paint a picture, he starts with a blank canvas. So the first thing I encourage people to do is remove everything from the room they’re redoing. Then, keep only the things that are truly important. Don’t keep a chair just to have a chair. You need to love that chair. If you don’t, find another one that you do love.”

     

    The Color Conundrum

    When choosing colors for a room, Payne again recommends personal introspection. “Ask yourself what colors make you feel good,” he says. “Look at the room as a whole, and remember that the entire space should make you feel good when you walk in the door. Does it really gladden your heart to walk into a room with white walls, or do you want something that reminds you of being outside? If so, you might start looking at green for the walls. Once you have decided on color, you’re ready to start building the rest of the room.”

     

    Chairs, Tables, Windows and Walls

    Payne says that many people don’t accept that it’s okay to have a style change of heart. Referencing the fact that very few of the items he bought when younger still appeal to him, Payne says it’s important to remember that nothing is forever in the world of home furnishings.

    “When the furniture starts to come into a room, everything must have a purpose,” advises Payne. “Ask yourself is it practical? Is it beautiful? Does it make you feel good when you see it and use it? Always be prepared to say ‘that isn’t me anymore,’ and accept that as everything else has evolved, so has your taste. Most people have two or three careers in a lifetime, and certainly your taste in wine, food or clothing changes over the years. Home furnishings are the same.

    “Look at the walls, and decide if you need anything on them at all,” Payne continues. “If you have those beautiful green walls, then maybe a nice print of lavender fields by Cezanne will enhance your feeling of being outside. And do you really need window coverings? Is privacy an issue? If so, would blinds work or do you want layers of expensive fabric and tassels? Either one is okay if it gives you joy.”