Quick-fix tips for a sophisticated space

Fireplaces are often forgotten—save for a few accessories here and there—but a little creativity can transform a humdrum hearth into the centerpiece of a room. This firebox had ugly travertine tiles and no mantel, says Los Angeles decorator Emily LaMarque. We replaced the tiles with an iridescent glass mosaic blend and added a custom-designed mantel inspired by vintage Victorian styles.

Using color in drapery and accessories is a great way to add character and make a room feel 'done' without overpowering it, says Dallas interior, furniture and lighting designer Jan Showers. In this home she opted for yellow, which works particularly well with whites and creams.

Books are great styling accessories and can make your home look magazine-ready in no time, says Los Angeles interior and furniture designer Erinn Valencich. In the case of this night stand, she combined a few different elements to create a full yet unfussy look. Keep the cover colors simple, and only select books that match your room's palette.

Soft, cozy chairs and a buffet table for storage make this dining room functional and inviting, but lighting is what pulls the space together and adds a touch of elegance, says Charlotte, N.C., designer Laura Casey. An ornate chandelier, plus pairs of lamps and sconces will make the room feel more formal, without compromising comfort.

Don't let your entryway become a a wasted depository for keys, shoes and junk mail. To create an extra pop in this foyer, we outlined the wood moldings with a red trim and used a David Hicks-inspired wallpaper print to add personality, say Los Angeles designers Ron Woodson and Jaime Rummerfield of Woodson and Rummerfield.

A clever trick in a sunny room full of windows: Paint the window grids dark and they'll recede into the background, creating the illusion of being outside, says Chicago decorator Kara Mann. The plethora of plants—both large and small—throughout this space also makes the lush landscaping outside feel closer, as does the notable absence of window treatments.

When it comes to the kitchen, think about the little things that add both functionality and purpose, says Venice, Calif.-based decorator Vanessa De Vargas. If you have a great set of professional knives or pots and pans, put them on display rather than hiding them in cupboards and drawers.

Color photography is a great way to add refinement and fun to a room, says Charleston, S.C., interior designer Cortney Bishop of the framed photograph by Anne Leibovitz that pays homage to her husband's Tennessee roots. Try oversize images that can stand alone on an empty wall.