5 Pieces Of Wise Decorating Advice From Tricia Foley
Find her books on Amazon
“I think that many people try to copy what’s trendy rather than trusting their own personal style in decorating a home and then the look doesn’t last. If you’re really not sure about making decorating decisions, keep a file of pictures of favorite rooms culled from books and magazines to help narrow it down” Tricia Foley
“In terms of color for walls, I always do a test patch and live with it to see how the color responds to the light and with the existing furnishings. It’s also important to put it all together and make sure that your color palette is compatible and that you’re not acquiring furniture and accessories in bits and pieces that don’t work together. “Tricia Foley
“It makes sense to follow the architectural style of the space. Determine the function of the room and really think about how you will use it. Then furnish it appropriately for those uses. Finally, layer on your own personal style — not someone else’s. Aim for personal comfort as well as visual appeal level.” Tricia Foley
Go with good classic design in terms of furniture. I always look for multi-purpose pieces, that can be used for other rooms as living conditions change. Set the scene for your own personal style with neutral walls and floors. Then add simple window treatments and bed linens to transform a space with color.” Tricia Foley
“I see children’s rooms as part of the home, not so much a separate world. I would design the space so that it visually belongs to the rest of the family spaces. It should also be a comfort zone for children and a place for them to express themselves with their own things — there are lots of great storage units, armoires, bins, etc. that are perfect for kids rooms in grownup styles but scaled down sizes available from Pottery Barn for kids, for example Traditions and Mitchell Gold make smaller versions of armchairs from leather club chairs to slipcovered pretty cotton wing chairs that suit many styles.” Tricia Foley
Tricia On Pinterest
Glass For Every Occasion Tricia Foley-Found on triciafoley.com
Decorator Tricia Foley’s Signature White Interiors
If you’re drawn to simple, light-filled interiors, you’ll love the work of decorator Tricia Foley. The author of ten design books and a frequent feature in both national and international publications, Foley is known for her refined white-based interiors and her restrained, thoughtful approach to decorating. Her style is timeless rather than trendy—effortless, elegant, and endlessly livable. If you admire crisp Scandinavian-inspired spaces, neutral color schemes, and soft, muted palettes, Tricia Foley’s aesthetic will resonate deeply.
Below are a few signature elements that frequently appear in her interiors:
Stack Clear Glass Plates
Clear glassware and plates are easy to collect and surprisingly affordable at flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales. Grouping these pieces together is a simple way to elevate a dining room hutch or style open kitchen shelving. Consider installing wood shelves and displaying glassware in the open for a light, layered look.
Embrace All-White China
White porcelain and ironstone create an instant sense of order and calm, no matter how large or small the collection. A few thoughtfully spaced pieces can make an armoire or cabinet feel curated and intentional. White dishware is also one of the easiest thrift-store finds, even in the most rural areas, where simple bowls and platters are almost always available.
Let White Walls Do the Work
White walls provide a flexible backdrop that allows pattern and personality to shine through textiles, furniture, and accessories. This neutral base makes seasonal changes effortless—introduce brighter hues in spring and summer, then transition to richer browns and deeper yellows in the colder months. Swapping pillows, artwork, and linens is an easy way to refresh your space throughout the year.
Soften the Palette with Gray
Pairing antique white with soft, powdery shades of gray creates a soothing, restorative environment. For those with busy or stressful lives, a calm home can feel like a retreat. White surfaces also help spaces feel larger and brighter—painting woodwork or lightly liming natural wood is a beautiful way to open up a room while maintaining warmth.
Tricia Foley Life/Style: Elegant Simplicity at Home-
At Home with Wedgwood: The Art of the Table
Links:
Tricia Foley’s Chicken Coop Found on triciafoley.com
Basket with berries, Found on triciafoleyinthecountry.blogspot.com.au