The Martin Bovard cheat sheet

Worth the wait: "People sometimes forget that quality design and creating a beautiful home can take time. The goal to save money is often a priority, but beauty cannot be created by using items exclusively from low-end resources. The trick is in the balance. If my clients are on a budget, I encourage them to be selective about purchasing accessories so they are buying investments that they'll love for a long time, as opposed to the quick fix of too many cheap things."

Filed away: "When we're working on a new project and getting to know our clients, we recommend tucking away ideas and inspiration - a photograph, postcard, page from a magazine. If you are planning a remodel or redesign, this is very helpful for honing the vision. We recently designed a master suite around the colors the couple saw on a trip to Italy - warm, earthy tones with rich finishes and an antique fireplace re-created the feeling of being in an Italian country villa."

Make an entrance: "The entryway of your home sets the tone - it welcomes you back home or tells your guests something about who lives here. Hang a hemp wall covering for texture and warmth and a beautiful pendant to create intimacy. Compose an entry hall table with a great mirror over a console table with drawers to hide keys and remove clutter."

Gump's: "Many of the objects and books we style with are from Gump's, a wonderful resource for mixing antiques with art from local artists. The inventory rotates often enough that we always find new things. For those of you who have been in San Francisco for a while, rumor has it the Jade Room will be reopening soon." (gumps.com)

Local talent: "Working with a good custom woodworker provides the opportunity for creativity and specifics. Thomas Fetherston is not only gracious and easy to work with, he has the wonderful ability to help our clients see the vision through sketches and renderings before the project gets started. The quality of his work is impeccable. Thomas recently completed a bench seat for a girl's room wide enough for guests to crash on and with a secret storage compartment hidden underneath. We never could have found that through a catalog." (customfurnituredesign.com)