
When it comes to renovating a home, Leigh Leak has tackled projects small and large. Here, she shares her best tips for a successful outcome.

1. Don’t Get Hung Up on Color
Because we were dealing with a lot of upholstered pieces, rugs, drapery, and art, I opted to simplify things with neutral walls. I wound up painting the entire main level the same color with the exception of the study and dining room ceiling.
2. Never Leave Home Without Your Number
Always have your measurements for pieces on your list with you. You never know when you’re going to find that perfect scatter rug, sconce, or bench.
3. Find a Focus
Whether you’re starting from scratch or in the middle of a project and feeling overwhelmed, find one piece you love to draw inspiration from and build on it.
4. Take Your Time
Some pieces were easy to place because we planned the layout around certain ones, but others took a little more time. There were chests, club chairs, and artwork that went upstairs, downstairs, and back upstairs many times before they settled in their final spots.