In addition to being well-planned, well-designed rooms have mastered the art of balance, shares Tracy Morris, the founder of Tracy Morris Design. Color.

“A consistent paint color provides a backdrop that ties the entire space together, allowing furnishings, art, and textures to stand out without competing,” she says.

Even if you’re most comfortable using a white or off-white, that works just fine, as exemplified in the room pictured above that Morris designed. Figure out the paint color you’d like to use on your walls, trim, and ceiling, and then go from there, bringing in your accent pieces.

“That consistency creates calm, while still leaving room for layers of personality through lighting, fabrics, and accessories,” Morris says.

Excerpt from Designers Swear By This Simple Formula for a Well-Designed Room, and It Works Every Time published online by The Spruce.