9 Ways to Lighten and Brighten Any Room

Austin-based blogger, interior stylist and author (of Camille Styles Entertaining) Camille and her husband, Adam, knew they wanted a Mediterranean-inspired home to share with their children, Phoebe, 3, and Henry, 10 months. Drawn to the Highland Park West property because of the views, they tapped architect Ryan Street to help them build a bright, airy space that encourages spending days out on the sun-kissed terrace. Camille's vibe when decorating the home? "I've always gravitated toward a casual, beachy sophistication. I feel most relaxed near water, so I brought a similar feel into my home using a palette that echoes the sand, sky and water. Having handsy little ones means I can't rely too much on accessories to lend that feel, so I opted for a lot of different textures and hues instead."

Create drama and let in light by replacing heavy fabric curtains with gauzy ones. To accentuate a tall ceiling, mount drapes about a foot above windows and doors.

Blue ombré pillow, $250, and marble vase, $45, wildflowerorganics.com. Copper tray, $172, and lumbar pillow, $140, mockingbirddomestics.com. Tassel throw pillow, $68, anthropologie.com. Pouf (similar), $90, wayfair.com.

Position nearly clear glass pendant lights over an island or a table to let light flow.

Pitcher (on counter), $290, spartan-shop.com. Wood serving board (on shelf), $145, mockingbirddomestics.com. Coral fruit bowl, $49, potterybarn.com. Blue mugs, $8 each, anthropologie.com. Stools, $815 each, dwr.com.

Set the table with a casual linen runner instead. A hearty vase of cheery blooms (fuchsia peonies and vibrant orange proteas!) keeps it from slipping.

Silver serving bowl, $150, wildflowerorganics.com. Light fixture (similar), $500, rejuvenation.com. Table (similar), $2,099, roomandboard.com. Chairs (similar), $179 each, crateandbarrel.com. Runner, $15, worldmarket.com.

The only thing we like more than new shoes? This genius storage hack! Also great: Corral packaged goods in wire baskets and stash baking supplies in clear canisters. The giant roll of craft paper will keep the kiddos occupied while you cook.

Craft paper roll, $16, staples.com. Canning jar, $3, crateandbarrel.com. Wire basket, $12, containerstore.com. Shoe rack, $35, target.com.

Use throws and pillows to work in new shades as the weather turns. Neutral fabrics and textures pair well with a colorful throw and a feathered lumbar pillow. And let your nightstand act as a "ledge" for your favorite piece of art — no nail holes!

Shams, $518, marble pillows, $415 each, throw, $595, and feather pillow, $590, wildflowerorganics.com. Copper tray, $45, mockingbirddomestics.com. Lamp (similar), $20, target.com. Nightstand (similar), $130, wayfair.com.

Create a cozy, whimsical hideaway over a bed (toddler-size or otherwise!) by mounting a wood canopy crown to the ceiling, then draping it with panels of sheer fabric or curtains.

Bed, $1,349 and up, ceiling crown, $329, and drapery panel, $75, rhbabyandchild.com. Chandelier, $199, potterybarnkids.com.

Make your washroom a relaxing, spa-like retreat by putting a vase of greens near your tub or shower. Vegetation that thrives in moist conditions, like a Boston fern or a dracaena, is a perfect choice.

Rug, $390, mockingbirddomestics.com. Bath towels, $36 each, and hand towel, $18, anthropologie.com. Basket (similar), $128 for two, serenaandlily.com.