Celebrity Decorating, On a Budget

Interior decorator-to-the-stars Kenneth Brown says people don't have to be millionaires to create comfortable stylish spaces. But they do need to be patient.

"People watch these design shows where everything's done in a weekend. That's not reality, that's just TV," he says.

Brown would know -- he's also the host of "reDesign" on HGTV and the Fine Living Network. Brown typically works with homeowners (Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are current clients) for about a year. Sometimes, he says, finding the perfect lamp or piece of artwork can take longer than the rest of the work combined.

Check out his tips for getting the Hollywood Hills look no matter where you live, along with our ideas for execution.

1) Use decorative pillows.
Look for beaded or heavily embroidered pillows and other accents, one of Brown's favorite techniques for adding sparkle to any house.

Get the Look: We love the Orimono Pillow from Anthropologie ($88), the looolo Janthur Cushion from Design Public ($230) and this floral embroidered pillow from Target ($25).

2) Let there be light.
"Lighting should never be done at full blast unless you're planning to play soccer or football in your living room," Brown says. Instead, he recommends using three levels of lighting -- overhead, floor, and mid-room. All overhead lighting should be on a dimmer. For dramatic effect, try uplighting, by placing small lights on the floor, maybe hidden by a plant, to cast shadows. Lastly, to make sure your face is lit like a movie star's, have all floor lamps and table lamps on a three-way switch and use parchment or linen shades.

Get the Look: "Chandeliers are like jewelry for your home," Brown says. The Stilnovo Sputnik chandelier on the left, made in Italy in 1950, comes from 1st Dibs, one of Brown's favorite online shops. Price on request -- never a good sign. The white globe chandelier on the right is on eBay for $237 with free shipping.


3) Bring in luxurious textures.
Brown recommends faux fur throws: "There's no difference between wanting to wear a cozy sweater and wanting to have that cozy feeling in your house. That provides the cocoon in your house for you to nest in."

Get the Look: It can be hard to get your hands on faux fur throws during the summer months. Brown promises some in his fall collection for QVC. In the meantime, cuddle up in these cable knit throws from Ralph Lauren ($50), available at Bloomingdale's.

4) Don't ignore the walls.
"I love using artwork," Brown says. "A lot of times people ignore the walls, but that's your chance to bring in color. Don't let walls feel empty -- that means your house doesn't feel lived in."

Get the Look: Brown recommends Art.com as an affordable resource. This 42" x 42" Japanese Lantern photo print costs just $78 and ships within 24 hours.

5) Great decor can come from chain stores.
"I'm in love right now with a few rugs from IKEA," Brown says. These, perhaps?

Get the Look: Black & white doesn't have to mean boring, with the Alvine Triangel ($129), Hedda ($249) and Bettan Linje ($30) rugs, all from IKEA.