Kim Myles: Home Design Tip of the Day

Interior design maven and host of HGTV’s “Myles of Style,” Kim Myles, will answer a question submitted from an ESSENCE.com reader every day. Kim believes that interior design should offer a lifestyle that’s chic, vibrant and attainable for every homeowner or renter. “My goal is to offer simple solutions that help the average person achieve the look that they want without going into debt. There is absolutely no reason for great design to be overly expensive or exclusive,” she declares. Today’s topic: Newly divorced, needing a change Dear Kim, My husband recently moved out of our home and I need to change things up so it feels different in the space. With limited resources, what do you think I should focus on to get the most drastic change for less dollars? I’d also like it to be more feminine, right now there is a lot of dark wood and hard geometric lines everywhere. I want to start a new chapter, please help me. KIM MYLES: Hands down, the simplest and most inexpensive tool is paint. Let’s start in your bedroom: How about a pale shell pink (ex: Ballerina Gown by Behr) which would look gorgeous next to dark wood. Pink is a mood enhancer, and envelopes you with a sense of warmth and affection. Add a gorgeous new bedspread or duvet in crme, and a bedside lamp with a bit of sparkle, and viola–you’ll have a new vibe that is all woman, and not horribly expensive. I’m sending you love and blessings for this new phase of your life! Read more:

• For more “Life, Style & Design” stories, click here.
• Kim Myles: Before and After
• “Myles of Style” Makeovers

Need help selecting furniture for your space? Have a disagreement with your spouse on a color to paint your walls? Toddlers making your home look like a storm rolled through it and need help adjusting for their mess? Send your design question to webmaster@essence-online.com. Please keep the questions brief and as detailed as possible. Remember, the more information you offer, the more Kim will be able to help!