What are some general interior rules of thumb to keep in mind when approaching a room?

Start with a plan. I know this seems simple, but a lot of people jump from room to room and there might not be any synergy between the rooms. When you have a blank canvas it can be overwhelming. Here are some other tips:

· Pull pictures of homes you like, looking for finishes, paint colors, molding ideas, kitchen designs, and more.

· Decide what from your previous home you want to keep and what it needs to fit and coordinate with.

· Identify if there is a focal point for each room, like a piece of art, rug, cabinets, or sofa.

· Use these elements to help create a palette and a tone for the house.

What are some hot, trendy styles right now that people can incorporate into the personalization of their homes?

We are seeing a shift to cleaner lines and more simple designs. Not so far down the road to modern, but less ornamentation and less fuss on pieces. A great example is a shift away from raised panel kitchen cabinet doors to recessed door styles. We are seeing less wainscoting and a move to more board and batten or shiplap, softer palettes, more cool-based neutrals and layering of colors in the same family.

How can people add simple accessories to keep their homes personal, yet current?

I think everyone should collect something. I collect antique bud vases. I know people who collect small pieces of art from places they travel. It is something you can remember and also something to talk about that adds character to a house.

What is your favorite way to personalize a space?

For me it is all about art—it adds color and personality to the room. Pick art that you gravitate to and you will love for a long time.