Design Hints

As Susan Rosenlund's Spring, Texas, home proves, a penchant for primitives doesn't mean your rooms need to look like you're peering into the dimly lit past. Here are some of the ways she keeps her home feeling fresh and bright:

• Balancing Act: If you love old, dark finishes on primitive pieces but don't want your space to feel somber, balance those pieces out with white or cream walls and lots of natural light.
• Walls That Speak: Create simple yet dynamic wall displays. For example, an arrangement of ironstone platters and dishes on open shelving adds shape, pattern and texture. Or, a salvaged window or door frame can provide a focal point and the basis for a seasonal scene with the addition of a wreath or some greenery.
• Uncluttered Style: Don't feel you have to show off everything all at once. Keep things in a storage space and "shop" your own stuff from time to time to change up your groupings. "It's easy to overdo it when you have so many things you love, but look at it with a critical eye and decide what you need to put away," Susan advises.
• Layered Looks: Combine collections for interesting vignettes that don't overwhelm. For example, mount a dough box on the wall and fill it with cookie cutters or other small collectibles, or pack an antique basket with rolled-up quilts or walking sticks.
• Textured Tableau: Incorporate texture into your rooms to bring interest without introducing more color. For instance, pair weathered tin with sleek tile, sticking to a common palette. The difference in texture allows the tin to stand out. Fabrics, rugs, baskets and different types and finishes of wood can also offer dimension while remaining neutral.