Every room needs a hit of black. It adds weight and gravitas to a room, preventing it from feeling too sweet despite the color scheme. It could be as large as a piece of furniture or as small as a pair of candlesticks.

In the design department, we believe in adding something to throw off the look of a room. When decorating quickly, it’s all too easy to fall into a pattern of sameness. Make one or two unexpected moves — it could be a color that seems a little off, or an objet that seems out of place — to keep the room from feeling matchy-matchy.

Although trimwork looks great in any color room, it is especially needed in white rooms. We encounter a lot of rooms where the homeowners and designers choose a white envelope that ends up feeling flat. Luckily just a bit of trimwork — even inexpensive molding — gives the walls dimension.

This is a tip that can be a bit difficult, and not even all designers have the knack. Just remember that by mixing patterns in different shapes, sizes and colors (as long as you stick to a defined palette) makes a place feel less perfect and more evolved. Try it slowly, adding one cushion, rug, drape or upholstered piece at a time.

At H&H, we constantly talk about “the mix”. By mixing eras, you can create a timeless space that doesn’t fall into the trend trap. One of the best ways to do this is by adding styles associated with different time periods. As a first step, add some old objects (we find a vintage butter bowl works in any kitchen, and propping vintage books on a shelf with modern ones always looks great). Even better, find something you want to collect. A collection gives the impression that you’re interested in history — or at least in the history of that one thing.

We design editors love plants or florals en masse. Given its ability to fill up a room, greenery delivers big bang for your buck (especially if cut roadside). Here, designer James Davie uses a collection of crockery mixed with little lime hydrangeas cut from the garden.

This could be art (including framed kids’ drawings or something from a yard sale) that isn’t important, or an amusing coffee table book that gets people talking. Just don’t take decorating too seriously — have some fun!