Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.

I'm Courtney Waren

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My Go-To design accessories

What’s Inside my Decor Tacklebox?

client projects, Design Tips

June 21, 2022

Any profession or hobby has a set of basic tools fit for that endeavor. You know, like a fisherman’s tacklebox. Using those basics in a variety of ways gets you a variety of results. Would you like to know some of my go-to decorating tools?

I find, when helping my clients with home decor, I reach for certain no-fail elements–but the outcomes are always different and pleasing! I invite you to look into my decor tacklebox, and feel free to use my tools to help make your home a place you love!

Tool #1 –VINTAGE BOOKS

If you don’t want your home to look like a sterile furniture showroom, be sure to accent your rooms with items that help to tell the story of who you are and where you’ve been. Books certainly help to do that, and they add personality, too. I confess to a love for all things vintage, so vintage books are a real go-to for me. But even if you have modern taste, layering in some vintage gives a your home an appealing, collected-over-time feel. Style with books whenever you can!

Tool #2–TRAYS

Meet my friend Mr. Tray! He’s so accommodating and versatile!

I can’t say enough about trays. I use them all around the homes I decorate–on console and coffee tables, dressers, vanities and kitchen counters. They not only corral cosmetics, keys and remote controls, they provide a base for display of favorite items.

Tool #3–GREENERY

Must. Have. Greenery.

Plants in our homes give us that connection to nature that we all crave. They even provide health benefits by purifying the air! No green thumb? Even faux greenery can give us a mood boost, as well as textural interest in our decorative groupings. So definitely use this tool and plan for plants in all your spaces.

Tool #4–CAKE STAND OR RISER

Variety is not only the spice of life, it’s a key ingredient for interesting groupings. You’ll want variety not only in texture and shape, but in height as well. And to achieve that height difference, simply elevate some element of your vignette on a cake stand or riser. Style like a designer by using this decor tool!

Tool #5–SOMETHING PERSONAL

As I said at first, you want a home that is uniquely yours. Sure, you’ll purchase some trendy accent pieces, but don’t forget those things that are one-of-a kind. Use your own belongings to personalize your rooms. For example, I created this vignette with items from my collection of vintage game pieces. And once, a client of mine tasked me with designing a guest room with her pet boxers as the theme! You get the idea: make your home your own!