Intelligent design

As the editor of design*sponge, Grace Bonney is always thinking about how to liven up an entryway, revamp a galley kitchen or make the most out of wallpaper. But with the website’s new book set to hit shelves soon, she has even more ideas for your Plain Jane pad than usual.

We hit her up for some of her favorite design tricks and DIY projects she encountered when compiling “Design Sponge at Home,” which she’ll be previewing with an event at Terrain this weekend.

Tiny space, big ideas
Based in Brooklyn, Bonney (as well as plenty of the homes she features) doesn’t have a ton of space to spare. “We like to see what people do with really small spaces, and how to make them feel bigger,” she says. “People often painted their ceilings a really soft, pale blue color — it actually gives you a feeling of light and openness, of the sky. Keeping the furniture low will also keep it streamlined, and it will draw the eye up.”

Something old, something new
You don’t need to embark on a big-budget shopping spree: “We always love a house that has a mix of old and new. Pull in a mix of flea market and found vintage pieces for something that feels relatable but still aspirational.”

Keep it natural
“Instead of using pumpkins everywhere, it’s way more fun to bring in foliage,” says Bonney of fall decor.

“Rather than traditional centerpieces, we’ve been doing small arrangements in old Mason jars and tea sets — we use branches and berries, whatever we can find.”