Kim Myles: Life, Style and Design

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: Cluttered space Hi Kim, Love your show. Question: I have a rather small bed room–not real small, I can get a queen bed and dresser and chest of drawers in it. I would like to put my footboard back on the bed and also fit a chair in the room so that I can stop sitting on the bed. What do you suggest that I do to brighten up the room and add the chair and foot board in there. Thanks in advance for your suggestions. KIM MYLES: I think the key word here is ‘acceptance.’ If you’re set on having ALL of the furniture, you’ll need to be in a good place about the room feeling smaller. I’d suggest painting in a very soft, light version of your favorite color (consider an eggshell or semi-gloss finish to reflect a bit of light), and add multiple mirrors to open the space up. As far as a chair is concerned, I’d choose a small upholstered side chair, or even an upholstered stool in order to save space. 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!