When it comes to pairing modern style with bohemian details, Victoria Smith is the master. As the editor of the popular West Coast design and lifestyle blog sfgirlbybay, Victoria is known for representing her unique take on independent design. And ever since she got her first apartment, Victoria has been turning to Martha Stewart for inspiration.

"My early memories of Martha are of tearing out the 'Good Things' DIY instructions (before DIY was even a thing) from Martha Stewart Living magazine and keeping them in my own scrapbooks for future use. I also remember buying her Good Things and How to Decorate series of books the moment they would hit the shelves - and I'm still referring to these books to this day," Victoria says. "Martha is immensely talented and her taste is completely timeless -- that's why she's one of the women I admire most. She's not simply a trend, she's iconic."

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by Claire Knebl

The all-things-home expert just launched a colorful lifestyle collection for JCPenney, aptly named Happy Chic.

For recent high school grads, the summer before college can seem super slow. (Just get me to campus already!) You've got a few more months of relaxation before the milestone move-in day, but now's the time to start thinking about your dorm decorating plans. At the launch party for his JCPenney line, we asked designer Jonathan Adler (known for his signature ceramics and colorful embroidery) all about the art of furnishing your first bedroom away from home.

At the event, Adler was stationed near an immaculately decorated mock room filled with patterned pieces and bold accessories from his new Happy Chic home collection. But first: a confession. He may be an expert now, but Adler admits that his first dorm room was a far cry from this cheerful aesthetic. "My room at Brown was absolutely atrocious! I don't know if dorms are still like this, but it was wooden, beat-up, and depressing, he explained. And I didn't do anything to improve it... I was a guy!"

Adler's flair for fun decoration has certainly flourished since his freshman year, and he recommends that you do things differently than his college student-self this fall.

"Everybody likes a chic space, and the great thing about the era we live in is that people can handle lots of bold, bright colors," he told us. "I think a dorm room is a great place to have happy hues." And shopping this lower-priced line is a great way to kick off your dorm decorating plans. But while serious shopping can get you set for the school year, Adler admits that sometimes it's all about being creative.

"You don't always have to spend tons of money! One thing I love to do at home is pin things, like photos, to the wall with pushpins. If you do it in a very clean grid, it looks really intentional and it's basically free," he says. "Just a plain grid of photos looks really groovy!"

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There are almost as many beautiful sea coral prints and patterns as there are fish in the sea. Realistic or imagined, this natural motif is a decorating classic. Check out these pretty textiles - they're perfect for a spring or summer makeover!

See more from HouseBeautiful.com:

101 Easy Home Makeover Ideas

Fabulous Designer Living Rooms

The Biggest Kitchen Design Mistakes

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

Want a quick way to update any room? Add a graphic print. Circles, triangles, squares - see elegant patterns from some of the simplest shapes.

See more from HouseBeautiful.com:

Unexpected Color Combinations That Really Work

Stylish Living Room Decorating Ideas to Steal

The Biggest Kitchen Design Mistakes

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

Just in time for the release of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, Art Deco design is trending in a big way. Walk into your favorite home store and you'll discover the luxury and glamour of the Roaring Twenties in the form of vibrant colors, exotic materials and striking geometric shapes. With a few smart buys, you can make Art Deco decor work beautifully in your home.

By Katie Anderson for TheNest.com

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