Make it balanced

Los Angeles interior designer Cheryl Gardner pulls off a bold look by playing with color and balance. Some of her secrets:

Forget clashing: There is no right or wrong to design. A red wall can be next to a purple wall if you balance them with a red and purple sofa or another item that contrasts or complements.

End the match game: Matching sets and suites are passe. Don’t match the sofa with the love seat with the chair. Use interesting coordinating pieces. In the bedroom, get different nightstands and a unique dresser.

Embrace color: If you stare at the blank wall, you may say, “That is too red,” but when you add rugs, accents and a mirror, it’s not so red anymore. Deep colors in the back of a room make it feel like it goes on forever.

Stop yourself: Don’t do an entire room in “quirky.” It will feel hectic. Just one quirky chair or accessory in the right spot is pleasing.

Where to shop: Edgy furniture is at Diva on Beverly Boulevard; custom lighting at Wired on Melrose; ethnic pieces at Noah’s Art on La Brea Avenue.

-- Maryann Hammers