Here’s a wonderful example of what to do, and what not to do, when you’re decorating the interior of your home.

DR Before

This dining room has all the right ingredients: a nice, big dining table with six chairs, a beautiful, rustic china cabinet to display family collectibles, and a soft, buttery wall color that is very soothing.

Yet the before picture shows a room that is not as inviting as it could be. In fact, it has an overall busy look that can make diners want to eat and run.

For starters, the items in the display cabinet have no rhythm to them. There is no unifying theme that makes this a dining room display. The story is there — it just hasn’t been revealed yet.

And the wonderful collection of crosses is on the wrong wall. It fights whatever  could be happening in the cabinet, and is half-hidden behind the double doors, which are usually opened.

DR After

We “Metamorefixed” this room by giving it a strong focal wall, highlighting the best pieces in the cabinet, adding air to enjoy them, and topping it with the cross collection. The crosses are laid out in a pattern that is both strategic and asymmetrical. The family can continue collecting, adding crosses one at a time either end of the display, eventually extending the collection down the sides of the cabinet.

And that brass light fixture? Not to worry — it will be replaced as soon as the budget allows. But I think I need to warn you that brass is starting to make a comeback…