Kelly Wearstler's 3 Rules for Creating an Inviting Space

Interior designer shares her tips for making your guests feel right at home, whether you have lots or little to spend

By Brett Malec, Rose Curiel Nov 15, 2012 3:30 PMTags
Kelly WearstlerJason Merritt/WireImage

With the holidays around the corner, a lot of us are gearing up to welcome family and friends into our homes.

So, when we recently spotted fashion and interior designer Kelly Wearstler at the Samsung Galaxy Note II launch party, we just had to get her to dish on quick tips for creating a warm environment to make any guests comfortable. Gwen Stefani did, after all, turn to Wearstler to work on her abode!

"[Stefani's home] represents her because she had a vision of what she wanted, but it just ran through my filter and she's so talented in so many different ways," Wearstler said of her celebrity client. To run the Wearstler filter through your home, check out her three simple rules to sprucing up your space:

Get Gwen Stefani's dark jeans

1. Add a Little Mood Lighting: Create ambiance with the right lighting—nothing is worse than cold fluorescent bulbs. "Lighting is super important. Without great lighting you don't look good and, of course, you want to look good and feel sexy in your space."

2. Deck Those Halls—and Walls: Barren walls are a surefire way to make your space feel empty and impersonal. Liven up your walls with some eye-catching artwork. "I mean, art is just so important," Wearstler says. 

3. Stay Within Your Budget: You don't need a Picasso where a personal photo will do, or a fancy chandelier when a chic table lamp will get the job done. "All those things you can spend a little money or a lot of money on."

So, start sending out those holiday party invitations out now. You'll want to pack your house to show off your updated digs!