Local interior designers answer questions about trends and offer tips to homebuyers and sellers considering buying or selling a home in or around The Woodlands.

Carla Aston Aston Design Studio

What are some tips for a homeowner who wants to update his or her home before putting it on the market?

You want to think of having your home put on its basic, little black dress without any jewelry. If it’s simple, tailored, clean and straightforward, it will be appealing to many, yet still dressed and ready for its spotlight. Overall, decluttering is really important. For minimal cost, a good cleaning, fresh paint—if necessary—steam cleaning carpets and upholstery or even tile to get grout lines clean can be a good investment.

How should rooms be painted and color-coordinated to draw more attention to a room?

I find many people get stuck with where to transition their paint colors. I am a big fan of neutrals [and] using color in strategic ways with window treatments, pillows, and accessories. Sometimes, just a touch is all you need. However, if you’re a color lover, painting smaller enclosed spaces can be a big enough dose without feeling like you have to paint everything.

When designing a room what is the most important factor an interior designer and a homeowner should consider?

The overall look is the most important factor. So many people get hung up on the details or on specific pieces or aspects of the space. Start with an overall idea of how you want the space to look and feel, then begin selecting items and finishes that can help achieve what you want. Try to focus on a style that emulates what you want as your end result, then you can get more detailed as you go along, finding items for the space.

1. Color: Painting ceilings a darker color than walls helps make spaces cozier, which is a good effect for rooms with tall ceilings. An all-white kitchen is also a good place to add splashes of color by adding bright backsplash or switching out cabinet hardware for colorful knobs and pulls.

2. Lighting: Layering lighting in a kitchen, such as pendants and ceiling fixtures, reduces shadows when placed on the sides of ceilings. Under-cabinet lights should also be installed for task lighting.

3. Easy access: Add items to a home that are accessible for young and old alike, such as adding a bathtub with a wide, flat outer lip, a curbless shower, a no-step entry flanked by low landscaping walls or pulldown shelves.