When giving advice to clients, I am not one to make a blanket statement and then never ever sway from that statement {ie 'always hang a curtain rod exactly 7" above the trim'} I think that for the most part, each home creates its own set of personal questions and then I propose a 'best' approach. There are always exceptions to a rule, but, I do feel strongly on certain scenarios and I enjoyed the collection of ideas that House Beautiful posted in their 35 Decorating Secrets from Top Interior Designers. These are my favorites from the list.

{all images via House Beautiful}