Page 3 of At Home With A Designer An Interview with Mary Baltz

Here is more of Mary's advice on trends, adding color to a white palette, and seasonal looks for white interiors...

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Q. Most of us are always eager to know what is the "latest" color, design, and furnishings trend. Can you comment on what you see in trends and how homeowners might create interiors that are up-to-date but classic.

Mary Baltz: "I think watching the trends is a useful tool in helping to create your own style, because you find out sometimes what you don't like. I think in getting started with your project it's important to know the basics -- colors you like, furniture styles, and simply how your home makes you feel when you enter a room.

"Trends can be good in obtaining direction, but you have to live with it. Keeping with classics and maybe taking a color trend or furniture trend can keep a room from looking dated."

Q. Your all white interiors are beautiful combinations of texture and detail, but you've also included touches of color here and there for interest. Can you expand on the ways to add color to an all white look and how to vary the look throughout your home so it is new and fresh in every room?

Mary Baltz: "The exciting part about white in the home is it is very easy to layer and change because you have your base canvas. In an all white room you might take one wall and use a pale color, a blue or green, to accent the white. For example over a mantle can be a nice place to add color without changing the whole room. Another ideas is to leave walls white and paint the trim a color such as spring green or a great shade of blue."

Q. The book, Designers in Residence, mentions your seasonal decorating changes. Can you discuss what things you change and how you store the out of season accessories so they stay clean and neat?

Mary Baltz: "Organization if very important in the seasonal home. Storage by season can help slipcovers, pillows, and linens be on hand for quick changes. Once you develop your seasonal style keep looking on all shopping trips fro the perfect accessories to add to your room.

"Seashells, boating pictures, or anything nautical is treat for a summer room. Winter additions can be cashmere throws, pine branches in vases, blankets on tables, lots of bookson hand for winter reading. Sometimes minimal window treatments can be great to let in all the winter light."

Q. The $400 Flea Market Bedroom page in the book mentions having a theme to guide you when shopping. What are some other tips on flea market / antique store shopping for homeowners who want a vintage look on a budget?

Mary Baltz: "It is most important to remember that one piece may have more than one use. So, when you are shopping at tag sales, flea markets, or antiquing, use your imagination. Shutters make wonderful indoor window treatments, garden furniture may look beautiful in your living area... Whatever you are passionate about -- collect it! Collections are a wonderful reflection of personal style."