With humor and panache, designer and TV personality Courtney Cachet explains her philosophy for beautiful living and how she transformed her “cookie cutter” master bedroom into a design gem in just one day.

GN: How did you come to develop your style?

Courtney: I developed my style at a very young age growing up in New York City and traveling the world. While I have always paid attention to trends, I have never allowed myself to be a slave to them. Finding what makes you happy and what excites your spirit lets you find your style and develop it from there.

I lived half of my life in Miami, where there are so many different cultures, tastes and design styles everywhere you go. Beautiful, different and never taking itself that seriously—that’s me, that’s my style. Hip, comfortable and stylish. But always with a sense of humor.

GN: Tell us about the last project you worked on.

Courtney: The last project I did was a complete transformation of my master bedroom. I live in the Watchung Hills of New Jersey in a big, old house, but this bedroom had been totally remodeled, with a lot of “cookie cutter” home aspects and none of the gems you find in older homes like interesting lines or cool architectural details. Did I mention the standard-issue beige carpet? We pulled up that carpet and put down Brazilian walnut floors. We painted one wall hot pink (yes, hot pink!) and added gray tones, with tons of funky and colorful pillows, artwork and dramatic silk draperies. Lastly, we added my own furniture line that I designed. It looks magazine-worthy now!

The challenge was that we did it for TV and we did it in ONE day. The day we had to film, the air conditioner broke and it was 98 scorching degrees! Twenty people working feverishly, literally!

GN: What advice would you have for homeowners in hiring and managing contractors, whether it be for paint, flooring, handymen or big remodels like custom-made closets?

Courtney: I’ve been speaking on this topic for many years. Here’s my best advice:

• Only use licensed tradesmen and CHECK THEIR REFERENCES. People are proud to show off when they do good work.
• Pay as you go. Never give all the money up front.
• Budget! Add 20 percent to your budget for wiggle room. You’re going to need it.
• In your contract, add incentives if they finish early and penalties if they finish late.
• Be nice. Nobody moves quickly for a nasty homeowner.

GN: What elements make for a comfortable home?

Courtney: A comfortable home is one that is stylish, organized and relaxed. A place that is inviting and unpretentious. There is nothing comfortable about being afraid of ruining or breaking something in your home. That’s why we go to museums and don’t live in them.

GN: What’s your philosophy on creating meaning in the home?

Courtney: When one thinks of a beautiful home, usually it’s about the memories created inside of that home. At the end of the day, you'll remember your children’s faces when they ran through the door, Christmas morning, family gatherings, parties and first days of school far more than that great pillow or fabulous chest of drawers. Decorating a home beautifully just helps enhance those special moments, but it cannot replace them. That, to me, is beautiful living.

Whether overseeing a large-scale renovation or a simple interior decor project, Courtney Cachet sticks to her signature style: livable chic. In addition to her work as a designer, Courtney has been featured as a design expert on NBC, HSN, DIY Network and other networks. She has also collaborated with Lovesac to create the Limited Edition Courtney Cachet Line of furniture. Learn more about Courtney’s work at courtneycachet.com.

[Image: Courtney Cachet]