Interior design decorating tips

52 Decorating Tips Straight from Interior Designers

Decorating a home can be an incredibly fun process—but it can also be a daunting one. After all, there are tons of decisions to make. There are walls to paint and rooms to furnish. And there's a fair amount of hardware, décor, and upholstery to pick out, too.

Thankfully, you're not alone in your quest to craft a stunning space. There are tons of interior designers who have done what you're trying to do, and many of them are more than happy to give you advice.

To help you navigate your home décor project, we asked interior designers to share some of their favorite decorating tips with us—and they delivered. So, whether you're giving your home a quick makeover or tackling a full-blown renovation, you're bound to find the inspiration you need to get started, take the next step, or finish up your project.

Katie Hodges Design

When decorating a space, many people start by committing to a palette. But Richard Petrie, interiors expert at Thomas Sanderson, recommends putting this step off until much later in the process.

“Don't choose your color scheme before you move in,” he says. Instead, stock up on essentials—like rugs, upholstered furniture, and more—and let them inform your palette.

Becca Interiors

No room is complete without a light fixture. In fact, according to many designers, no room is complete without at least three light fixtures.

“Many people don't pay enough attention to their lighting,” Amy Bell, interior decorator at Red Chair Home Interiors, says. “Living rooms and bedrooms should have at least three light sources in addition to the overhead light.”

Mary Patton Design

Statement-making pieces can take a home from simple to striking, but snag too many, and you may overwhelm your space. One rule of thumb to follow? Put a single showstopper in every room.

“Create one design focal point, like a fireplace surrounded by large format tiles, a gorgeous stair carpet runner, or a kitchen tile backsplash,” Nichole Abbott, interior designer at FLOOR360, says.

Proem Studio

Trends can be incredibly tempting. But talk to any designer, and you’ll hear the same advice: Focus on what you love—not what everyone else loves.

“Don't follow trends. They come and go,” Alice Chiu, principal at Miss Alice Designs, says. “If you keep it simple and decorate with items you love, your space will stand the test of time.”

Katie Martinez Design

When decorating, break down the room into a few different layers. Your base layer should include your biggest furniture—the pieces you’ll take with you from home to home. Your second layer includes smaller furniture. And your third layer includes textiles and accessories. Since these layers are more flexible, you might swap them out as you move from home to home.

“Always make sure a room has layers,” Charli Hantman, interior designer and owner of August Black Interior Design, says. “Core pieces—like a sofa, cocktail table, and rug—ground the space. Secondary options and accessories—like side tables, decorative objects, textiles, and art—are the elements that transition a house to a home. ”

Liljencrantz Design

When laying out your furniture, be sure to give yourself and your guests plenty of room to move around—designers call this circulation.

“People always want their furniture to fit. But, you don't want a room to feel crowded or cause traffic jams,” Elyse Moody, kitchen design expert at Designer Appliances, says. “When you have sufficient circulation, a room just feels more comfortable to be in.”

She recommends leaving a 4-foot-wide walkway between larger pieces of furniture, and leaving 14–18 inches of breathing room between smaller pieces of furniture.

Post Company

Most designers will tell you to edit down your stuff, but that doesn’t have to mean going all-in on minimalism. “For me, 'less is more' is less about minimalism than it is about curation,” Mona Ying Reeves, founder of Bay Area design firm Re:modern, says. “When you bring more intention into curating a space through décor choices, you end up with spaces that have meaning, feel authentic, and outlive passing trends. ”

So don’t force yourself to get rid of stuff just to get rid of it. Instead, focus on buying—and making space for—items you love.

Bespoke Only

Don’t be afraid to go big with some pieces and small with others. “It's important to play with different proportions,” Hantman says. “Proper scale has the power to completely transform a space. There needs to be synergy and tension between the different elements in a room.”

Jen Pinto, senior interior designer at Jackson Design and Remodeling, notes that this rule won’t just add drama to your space—it will also keep it from getting too cluttered.

“Many people are afraid of big accessories, lighting, or furniture because they think it will overwhelm the space. But in many circumstances, their items end up being too small,” she says. “To compensate for their mistake, they will often add more items to fill the space, which can lead to the space looking more cluttered.”

Design: Yael Weiss Interiors, Photo: Nicole Cohen

The phrase is actually “measure twice, cut once. ” But according to designers, “measure twice, buy once” is a motto worth heeding.

“Always know the size of your room before you make any changes in your décor,” Michael Helwig, interior designer at Michael Helwig Interiors, says. Measure your ceilings, your walls, your floors—and any pieces of furniture you plan to keep around.

“There’s nothing worse than having a sofa, rug, or lighting in the wrong size,” Betty Brandolino, interior designer at Fresh Twist Studio, says. The most common design mistake she sees homeowners make? Buying items that are too small for a given space.

LeClair Decor

One underrated way to make your space more versatile? Stock up on pieces that can do more than one thing.

“My favorite piece of advice is to design your living room to be flexible,” interior designer Esther Dormer says. Use trays to turn ottomans into small tables, and snag pillows that can double as plush floor seating. Additions like these can help you optimize your space—making it even more functional and livable.

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Tyler Karu

Balancing tons of different colors can get intimidating—especially if you’re a first-time decorator. And that’s exactly why Becc Burgmann, director and founder of Becc Burgmann Interior Design and Decorating, Sydney, recommends using only cool colors or only warm colors.

“When starting out, don’t mix warm and cool colors, as finding the right balance can be really tricky,” she says. “If you’re choosing new cushions, choose cushions that are all variations of cool colors (for example, blue hues) or warm colors (for example, reds and yellows).”

Sire Design

Art can transform a space. But according to Holly Witten, owner of Holly Witten Designs, you might be hanging yours too high.

“Lower your artwork,” she says. “Unless accommodating a piece of furniture underneath it, art should hang about 60–62 inches from the floor.” Why? That will keep your art at eye level for most people.

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

If you’re planning to fill your home with wood, consider keeping your wood stains simple and streamlined.

“The number of stains out there is overwhelming,” Kylie Bodiya, interior designer at Bee's Knees Interior Design, says. “But if you choose one that has an orange or red undertone, it can throw off the entire room.” By sticking with something timeless, you’ll end up with a space that’s easier to decorate—this is particularly important for rooms with hardwood floors or wood-lined walls.

And be sure to keep your stains consistent from room to room, too. “If you have mismatching stains, it's just going to throw the entire design off,” Bodiya says.

Jenn Pablo Studio

Contrary to popular opinion, your furniture doesn’t need to be placed directly against your walls.

“The room will actually look bigger with the furniture toward the middle,” James Kalim, founder and CEO at Only Silent, says. “I love this bit of advice because it is counterintuitive. But when followed, there is a wow moment upon full realization.”

Erin Williamson Design

When designing a space, many of us pay attention to our walls and our floors. But your ceiling deserves some love, too.

“Adding wallpaper or a dramatic paint color can make a ceiling come alive,” Andrea Harvey Hysmith, owner and lead designer at ASH Antiques and Design, says. And since lining your ceiling with a striking color or bold print is such an unexpected choice, it’s a surefire way to make a statement.

Proem Studio

Playing with color is one obvious way to add visual interest to your space, but playing with texture can be just as rewarding. “People often don't pay attention to combining different textures when decorating their home,” Paul Smith, interior designer and woodworker at Woodworker Magic, says.

Choosing one texture for your floors and another for your walls can make your furniture pop. And layering in textured accessories—like knit blankets, velvet pillows, and ceramic vases—can make your space even more dynamic.

Julian Porcino

Every space has its flaws: a column here, a sloped ceiling there, a hardwood floor that’s grown weathered with age. And our instinct is often to cover up these imperfections—but consider highlighting them, instead. “There is an old Finnish saying: ‘Emphasize what you cannot hide,’” Susanna M, industrial designer and game artist at Redecor, says.

Tathienne Kader, interior designer and principal at Studio Neshama, agrees. “The space will tell you what it needs,” she says. “Many times we overlook architectural or design elements that define the space, but take a good look at what you’re working with—and use it.”

Tyler Karu

Don’t overlook the smallest details in your space. When upgraded, even teeny-tiny elements—like light switches and outlet covers—can transform the way your space looks and feels.

“You don’t need to make big changes to make a room look different,” Zoe Warren, design consultant at HomeHow, says. “Something as simple as changing up the light switches can make all the difference.” She recommends swapping your all-white options with something colorful, patterned, or textured.

Cathie Hong Interiors

If you haven’t been blessed with ample natural light, living in darkness isn’t your only option. There are a few clever tricks you can try to increase the amount of light streaming through your windows.

“It's useful looking outside and seeing if any trees and shrubs are covering your windows,” Petrie says. If there are, consider trimming them back—or replacing them with smaller options.

Another trick? “Give your windows a thorough clean,” he says. “You'll be surprised at how much of a difference it'll make!”

Design: Veneer Designs, Photo: Amy Bartlam

When hanging art, laying out your furniture, and displaying décor, be sure to play with height. Pair taller items with shorter items, and switch up the placement of wall décor.

“Nothing kills a beautiful design more than accessories that are all the same height from one side of a surface to the other,” Helwig says. When you mix in items that have different shapes, sizes, and especially height, you create interest, depth, and movement. It works every time.”

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Design: Jenn Feldman Designs, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Snagging a matching furniture set can be an easy way to outfit your space. But if your goal is to craft a dynamic interior, consider pairing items that don’t match perfectly.

“People often get wrapped up in things matching and don't pay enough attention to a healthy contrast,” Caroline Brackett, owner and principal designer at Caroline Brackett Studio of Design, says. “A juxtaposition of materials, styles, textures, and even periods is important in every space. The extra thought and intention—and often, time spent—in making selections for a room are well worth it.”

And if you’ve already bought a matching furniture set, you still have options. “If you really love a set, bring in some complementary pieces that break up the monotony,” Marie Taylor, self-taught decorator at This Dear Casa, says.

Pure Salt Interiors

One great way to add personality to a space? Do something surprising.

“To make a room stand out, add one unexpected item that gives a pop of interest,” Erin Coren, interior designer at Curated Nest, says. “That can be done with adding one piece of furniture that is of a different style, an oversized light fixture, or a focal wall of wallpaper.”

Calimia Home

The first thing anyone will see when stepping foot in your home? Your entryway. So spend some time and effort making that first impression count.

“When you walk in, the sights you see should be welcoming to you and your guest,” Joe Cangelosi, interior designer and owner of Joe Cangelosi Design, says. He recommends pairing a striking table with a bowl for your keys—and a mirror you can use to check yourself out before leaving the house.

“If you put a little thought into it, function and beauty can co-exist harmoniously in your home,” he adds.

Laura Brophy Interiors

When decorating, remember that you don’t need to outfit every single corner. “Negative space, or blank walls, are needed to rest the eyes and mind,” Pam Faulkner, interior redesigner and owner of Faulkner House Interior Redesign, says.

By embracing negative space, you can cut down on clutter—and draw more attention to the items you’ve put on display.

Ashley Montgomery Design

Your space should feel like it’s yours. So, instead of stocking up on new items, look for ways to incorporate items you already own.

“The best advice I give my clients is to incorporate things they currently have that they love into their space and their final design solution,” Kristin Bartone, interior designer and Creative Director at Bartone Interiors, says. “This could be family heirlooms, favorite accessories or art picked up from traveling, or other items that make the client smile.”

Jessica Davis, principal designer at JL Design, agrees. She recommends including at least one sentimental item in your décor scheme. “Decorate with at least one item that has meaning to you,” she says.

Design: Hive LA Home, Photo: Amy Bartlam

Mirrors make a natural addition to any room. But before you hang one, take a moment to consider what it will reflect. “Be aware of the reflection when you are hanging a mirror on the wall,” Faulkner says. “Above the mantel, will it reflect a ceiling fan or a smoke alarm? In the family room, will it reflect the neighbor's basketball court?” She recommends standing in the exact spot you’d like to hang the mirror, and taking a look at what’s facing you.

And remember, you can use this rule to your advantage, too. “Mirrors are a great way to reflect natural light around the room,” Petrie says. “If you place them on an adjacent wall to a window or glass door, it will trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger and bounce the natural light straight into the room.”

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Devon Grace Interiors

Furniture can be tough (and expensive) to replace. But softer items—like pillows and blankets—are much easier to swap out.

“You can change a room entirely by just changing your soft furnishings,” Massimo Buster Minale, cofounder at Buster & Punch, says. "This décor statement is so transformative. You can quite literally change this around as the seasons change throughout the year without having to redecorate your entire home.”

Ashley Montgomery Design

If you’re an avid collector of, well, anything, consider turning your collections into décor. “A collection of almost anything can add personality to a home,” Cortney and Robert Novogratz, interior designers at The Novogratz, say.

The designers recommend displaying everything from old sporting items and classic comic books to vintage quilts and vinyl records. As long as it’s yours and you love it, it should look great in your space.

Katie Hodges Design

Window treatments can make a dramatic difference in any room. And remember, you don’t have to stick to just one type.

“In your home, natural light can be enhanced by layering different window treatments,” Petrie says. Pairing a set of textured blinds with sheer curtains or thick drapes can be a great way to make your space more functional—and more dynamic.

Bespoke Only

Choosing a paint color can be tough—in large part because the same color can look very different at different times of day, or when different lights are turned on. But Jennifer J. Morris, interior designer and principal at JMorris Design, has a clever trick that can help you feel more confident in your color choices.

“I really encourage my clients to take their time, paint some foam boards, and move around the room throughout the day, if possible,” she says. “There are so many factors that affect our perception of a color—shadows, time of day, and time of year. Paint can have a huge impact on the space and your feelings. It’s worth taking your time on.”

Ferrer

When shopping for furniture, prioritize investment pieces—well-made items you’ll want for years to come.

“One of the best bits of interior design advice I have received was from my mother-in-law was: ‘Only buy something you plan to have for the next 10 to 20 years,’” Heather McKeown, founder of Land and Sky Designs, says. “Instead of buying trendy products that will get tossed in a few short months or years, invest in fewer pieces that make your heart sing.” And Brackett agrees: “Buy the best, and you only cry once.”

Becca Interiors

When filling your space with décor, it can be helpful to decorate in threes. “When people have loads of pieces in their home that are scattered sporadically, the eye gets overwhelmed and doesn’t know where to look,” Burgmann says. She recommends grouping three items together and placing them at slightly different heights.

“When they are placed in groups of three, the eye is drawn to the highest piece and works its way down,” she says. “This way, you are actually showing off all of those beautiful pieces in your home, instead of letting the décor pieces compete with one another for attention.”

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Tyler Karu

Your hallway may not be the first thing you think to decorate when outfitting your home, but it deserves just as much attention as the rest of your space.

“Hallways often get overlooked when decorating your home,” Petrie says. “Making your hallway more inviting will immediately change the mood of your home and make you feel happier the moment you step into it.” Consider painting yours a fun color, hanging some bold art, or putting up some striking wallpaper.

Post Company

When stocking up on lighting, consider how many fixtures you have and how bright those fixtures are. “The color temperature of your lighting is everything,” McKeown says. “To me, the quality of light that is emitted from a light source is more important than the design of the light fixture itself.”

Chiu agrees: “Having enough lights with the right color temperature can make a huge difference.”

Chiu recommends snagging cooler, brighter lights (around 3000 Kelvin) for your kitchen, and choosing warmer, softer lights (around 2700 Kelvin) for the cozier rooms in your home.

Mary Patton Design

One easy way to cut down on visual clutter? Make all the frames in your home the same color. “This small, but intentional choice is transformative, because it puts the emphasis on the subject matter, rather than the particular object displaying it,” Ying Reeves says. “There’s a reason why museums frame everything in white.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean staying away from fun frames entirely. “Starting with a palette of monochromatic frames gives you a solid backdrop to build from and the flexibility to reshuffle things around,” she adds.

Erin Williamson Design

Rugs can do a lot for a room. “They ground the furniture, help with acoustics, and add texture,” Morris says. Even if you’re decorating a small space, it’s often worth buying a really big rug.

“Get the largest rug you can find,” Helwig says. “It sounds counterintuitive, but a small rug in a small space will always emphasize the size of the room.”

And Hantman agrees: “I find the larger the rug, the larger the room ultimately looks.”

Calimia Home

Any new statement-maker may take some getting used to. “Give new things a day to settle in,” Morris says. “Change can be hard, but it can also take a little time for a new and improved feature or piece to settle in.”

Jessica Nelson Design

Looking for an easy way to transform your space? Invest in a few plants. "Every room needs to include at least one member of the plant kingdom," Bell says.

And if caring for plants isn’t your forte, remember that live plants aren’t your only option. Taylor recommends adding "fresh flowers, potted plants, branches—some nod to nature." That can mean a live plant, a dried one, or even a faux one.

Pure Salt Interiors

Enter any room of your home, and you’ll likely spot metal accents: doorknobs, drawer pulls, appliances, and more. And while matching these pieces can create a striking effect, mixing and matching them can look just as great.

“Please mix metals—in every room,” Witten says. “Yes, gold hardware goes with stainless appliances in the kitchen, and chrome lighting goes with gold fixtures in the bathroom. ”

Studio Peake

Searching for a way to make your space look bigger, cozier, and more striking? Snag a set of drapes. “The use of drapery—for windows, doorways, and closets—is so transformative,” Kevin O'Gara, interior designer and owner of Kevin Francis Design, says. “The fabric is amazing at adding dimension to a room.”

And Missy Stewart, owner and principal designer at Missy Stewart Designs, agrees. “Window treatments deserve more attention than they get,” she says. “They can soften a room, create ambiance, and add height to a room when hung correctly.”

Erin Williamson Design

Vibrant paint and striking wallpaper are two great ways to make your walls stand out. But if going bold with all your walls sounds a little overwhelming, consider taking a risk on one wall and leaving the rest the way they are.

“Refresh a bare wall,” Sherry Hope-Kennedy, principal at Studio SHK, says. “A blank wall can make a room feel unfinished.”

Jessica Nelson Design

When shopping for storage solutions, consider both functionality and flexibility. Start by determining what you definitely need. “Clean out and downsize first,” Emilie Baltorinic-Navarro, interior designer at Living Spaces, says. “Don’t make the mistake of buying organizational tools, like baskets, clear boxes, and other containers, before you know what you need to store.”

Then, sprinkle in a few flexible options. (After all, your storage needs are bound to evolve over time.) “We all have clutter, so I love placing boxes on the coffee table, and an empty basket somewhere near the front door,” Bartone says. “These can both be used as a quick clean-up of any clutter that is left laying around when unexpected company arrives!”

Leclair Decor

One decorative accent that works in any home? Books. In addition to being an easy (and often, inexpensive) way to add some flair to your home, books can act as conversation starters and entertainment for your house guests. “Everyone loves flicking through someone’s coffee table books,” Burgmann says.

That said, you don’t want to go too wild. “Don’t stack more than four coffee table books high, or your coffee table will look cluttered,” she adds.

Studio Peake

No longer in love with your table lamps? Don’t swap them out just yet. “If you like the table lamps you have, but they aren't working with the look you are going for in the room, try a makeover,” Faulkner says. She recommends trading out your lampshades, painting the lamp bases new colors, or even wrapping the lamps with cord.

Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine

When you enter a room, some corners are more visible than others—ånd you can use this to your advantage.

“One of the most helpful things I share with my clients is a concept that I call blindspots,” Bell says. “Every room's blindspots will be the wall on which the door is placed, and whichever adjacent wall is closest to the doorway.”

Bell recommends using these “hidden” walls to store your least aesthetically pleasing décor—think: TVs, appliances, and other not-so-cute necessities.

Leclair Decor

Finishing touches like hardware can bring your space together. So, don’t just stick with the default option.

"Hardware choices come toward the end of the design process, so it's easy to lose steam and pay less attention to the particulars," Elyse Moody, kitchen design expert at Designer Appliances, says. "But I'd encourage people to hang in there. You'll be so happy you did when you see the finished results."

Jenn Pablo Studio

Sometimes, your space doesn’t need a full-blown makeover—it just needs a quick refresh. “My best advice is to not throw away everything and start from scratch,” Josie Abate, founder and Design Director at Ambience Express, says. “You can update the look of a space by changing the wall color, accessories, and other inexpensive decorative touches.”

You can also rearrange your furniture, Baltorinic-Navarro says. Or you can shuffle the items on your bookcase, KD Reid, interior designer at KD Reid Interiors, suggests.

Katherine Carter

The moment your space starts feeling cluttered, take a step back—and stop decorating. Then, consider what you can remove from the room.

“This is not decorating advice, but I go by Coco Chanel’s famous quote: ‘Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off,’” Rozit Arditi, founder and interior designer at Arditi Design, says. “When I am putting together a room, I look at everything we selected and take one thing off.”

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Ultimately, the space your decorating is for you. So, have fun, take a few risks, and trust your gut. “Don't be afraid to break the ‘rules' and do the thing that scares you the most," Brackett says. "It almost always ends up being your favorite part of the design."

And Burgmann agrees. “I meet clients who light up when they tell me an idea or vision they have for a space,” she says. “Then, I watch the spark in their eye slowly fade as they then continue with, ‘But this person doesn’t think it’ll look good. ’”

Burgmann adds that “far too many people” end up with someone else’s vision for their space. “The space needs to be one you love,” she says. “That’s the most important thing.”

Katie Martinez Design

The best rooms balance function with form, so consider what you want your space to feel like in addition to what you want it to look like.

“If you can't function in a room, it doesn't matter how beautiful it is,” Coren says. “Consider how you currently use the space.” Think about what works—and what doesn’t work—and use that insight to determine where to make changes.

Katie Martinez Design

The best advice, which I always give my clients, is to just choose what you love—for everything,” Witten says. “In almost every case, the pieces you are drawn to will all work together beautifully, even if they represent different styles of origin.”

And virtually every designer we spoke to agrees. “Fill your home with things you truly love, and it will always be beautiful,” O'Gara says.

Bespoke Only

Remember that you don’t have to buy everything all at once. “Creating a space takes time, so leave room to have a space evolve,” Witten says. “You’ll want to layer in items as you find them.”

At times, this lesson may be frustrating. After all, you want your space to feel finished. But by breaking the decorating process into a series of smaller, simpler choices, you're more likely to end up with something great—and less likely to get overwhelmed.

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Cut Pre-Made Tile for a Custom Look

Stephen Karlisch

“We typically cut readily available materials that are in standard sizes into smaller sizes of those same tiles,” Jessica Geller of Toldeo Geller reveals. The design duo used this budget-friendly method to create the custom tile design in this bathroom.

Wallpaper Your Appliances

Bjorn Wallander

Have ugly appliances or simply want to change things up? Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, as designer Janie Molster did to the fridge and freezer in this kitchen.

Play With Pattern

Anthony Gianacakos

You can mix colors and patterns that'll push the envelope but still remain stylish and authentic. Just take it from designer Anthony Gianacakos, who did so in his own bedroom. "My strong suit is color and pattern combination," he says.

Fake a Window Using Mirrors

Allie Provost

In a basement room with no windows, Camila Pavone of Effortless Style Interiors came up with the idea to combine two mirrors to fake a window. It brightens up the space and makes it feel bigger.

Give Stainless Steel a Matte Finish

Kevin Scott

"We love how this finish surface interacts with light; It is soft, subtle, and welcoming," says Suzanne Stefan of the stainless steel matte finish in her kitchen, which she created using Scotch-Brite. Learn more about the process here.

Find Space to Use Collected China

Emily Minton Redfield

“I wanted to fashion a space where you could have a friend over for coffee or tea…and actually use your collected china," says Marie Flanigan of this tea room she designed. It's proof that any collection can be a jumping-off point for a room.

Hide a Radiator With a Cabinet

Leanne Ford Interiors

A radiator can easily throw off your design vision. Make it a part of the room by building a cabinet over it, as Leanne Ford Interiors did here to reclaim the hallway space and turn it into a beautiful little reading nook.

Create a Cozy Quiet Room

Kerri McCaffety

Use Lacquer-Effect Wallpaper

Werner Straube

"If someone draws on it, it’s a lot easier to repair than real lacquer!" — Corey Damen Jenkins

Make Your Own Art

“Purchase a few matted frames, and pop in your own sketches of abstract art. The picture mats will look expensive, and you'll have your own personal touch on the walls for guests to admire.” — Eneia White

Bring Multifunctional Furniture Outdoors

HomeGoods

"Small, outdoor ceramic stools are great pieces of furniture that perform double duty. They can be used as extra seating or when placed close to a chair or sofa, they can serve as an additional surface to place your laptop during work hours or cocktails and small plates of food during an outdoor hangout." — David Quarles IV

Transform Eyesores

CHRISTOPHER DIBBLE

"In this basement remodel, we would've had to spend a ton of money rerouting the HCVA air duct. Who wouldn't go with ballet-slipper pink instead?" — Max Humphrey

Paint on Faux Molding

Aldous Bertram

"There was no ceiling molding and no molding around the doors in this apartment, so I added them with paint! —Aldous Bertram

Reuse What You Already Own

STEPHEN KARLISCH

"We were able to work in a lot of pieces from their previous home, which made it feel layered. " — Jean Liu

Fake It 'Til You Make It

Annie Sloan

"Do something groovy on the actual steps! The bolder you go, the bigger the smile when you see them." — Fawn Galli. Here, a painted runner by Annie Sloan looks just like carpet.

Use Murals to Give Life to a Space

Joshua McHugh

"Murals are a way of bringing more people into the house, so even when it’s just the two owners, it never feels lonely." — Raji Radhakrishnan

Mix Old and New Decor

Lark and Linen

"Old and new belong together. A mix of modern pieces and antiques never tires." — Caleb Anderson

Step Up Your Lighting Game With High Tech

RYAN GARVIN & TYLER HOGAN

Improve health and temporarily turn a room a different color with "top-of-the-line smart circadian rhythm lighting. " — Breegan Jane

Liven Up Ordinary Spaces With Wallpaper

Richard Powers

“I love to use wallpaper in mundane spaces. Hallways, pantries, powder rooms—all become moments of joy and funkiness. Areas of transition can be places you enjoy spending time in.” — Fawn Galli

Don't Be Afraid to DIY

Dustin Halleck via Edyta and Co

"If punk rock has taught me anything, it's to do everything yourself. All of my favorite interior designers were self-taught."— Max Humphrey

Choose the Right Bulbs

Black Lacquer Design

"Choosing the right light bulb is very important. LED bulbs are energy efficient, and they can look great." — Paloma Contreras

Add Some Wicker

Nathan Schroder

“Wicker is an element I love for its texture and versatility. Wicker baskets are so functional for storage, but a wicker animal brings a sense of whimsy.” — Amy Berry

Upgrade Your Light Switches

Courtesy of Courtney Hill Interiors

“Update your light switches! Elegant controls add a spectacular element to an older home or character to a new one.” — Courtney Hill

Invest in Antiques

Julie Soefer

“Great art and fabulous antiques only get better with age. It’s better to cry once and have a forever piece.” — Chandos Dodson Epley

Even Rentals Can Get an Upgrade

Keita Turner

"These doors were uninspiring and ugly," says designer Keita Turner. See how she hacked a custom upholstery job here.

Trust Your Intuition

Old Brand New

"Follow your gut. If you have to talk yourself into liking something, you probably don't."— Olivia Erwin

Use the Ceiling to Redefine the Room

Maura McEvoy

“Look up! We use ceilings a lot. Through them, we define the lines and beauty of a space.” — Julio Salcedo

Add a Bar

Anne Schlechter

"Every house should have a great bar. It is the central point of a party, and if you entertain a lot, it will be celebrated, so put some thought into it." — Jordana Joseph

When in Doubt, Paint It

Annie Schlechter

"Never underestimate the power of paint. You don't have to break the bank to achieve a new look. A fresh coat in a vibrant color takes an old piece of furniture or empty white room and gives it new life. " — Chauncey Boothby

Draw On the Walls

Courtesy Anthony George

Embrace a Classic White Kitchen

Heather Talbert

“Classics never go out of style. I hesitated about doing a white kitchen in my own house, thinking I’d been there, done that. But I’m so glad I did. I will never tire of it.” — Alexandra Kaehler

Get the Most Out of Your Space

Lark and Linen

"Actually use your beautiful things! I have a chocolate lab and white furniture in my living room. It took some training, but now he knows the furniture is off limits." — Lindsey Lane

Go Deep

Courtesy of Larette Design

“Don’t be afraid of dark. I used this rich Benjamin Moore Midnight Blue on an accent wall—darker than I’d ever dared. It made the whole space come to life.” — Jean Larette

Don't Be Afraid of Clutter

Victoria Pearson

Splurge on a Primary Bath

Katie Hodges Design

"The splurge everyone should make is a fabulous primary bathroom. I used hand-painted porcelain sinks in mine." — Todd Richesin

Don't Underestimate the Coffee Table

Erin Nail

“In an open seating plan, always use a well-proportioned statement coffee table to ground the arrangement and give it a sense of place.” — Sean Michael

Make Ceilings Look Higher With Tall Furniture

Black Lacquer Design

"Use tall pieces in a low-height room. Short furnishings would make the ceiling feel that much lower to the ground." —Jason Oliver Nixon

Think Asymmetrical

Sarah Winchester Studios

“Get creative when thinking about form and function. A client in a traditional Georgian home needed it to work for her modern way of entertaining. We opted for an asymmetrical, organic space that encourages guests to float through the room while engaged in conversation.” — Kate Coughlin

Figure Out a Floor Plan

Edyta and Co.

"The most important first step in design is a good floor plan." — Jessica Helgerson

Invest in Upholstery

Heather Hawkins via Studio Ten 25

"My clients ask about the most important pieces to invest in: I believe in upholstery and art! They help anchor a room. " — Ashley Darryl

Have Fun

Studio Ten 25

"Make sure you're having fun. What's more fun than making your own home more beautiful?" — Eche Martinez

Create Your Own Light

Sargent Architectural Photograph

“When you're given a dark space that doesn't have great light, create your own light. In this kitchen, we used Sherwin-Williams's sunny Energetic Orange, and it turned out just fabulous— so cheerful.” — Matthew Boland

Know Your Dealbreakers

Rustic White Interiors

“Don't settle. If you have your heart set on a piece, don't try to find something similar just to save money. Chances are, you’ll never be completely satisfied with the substitute (or its quality).” — Brian Watford

Swap Out Big Pieces for More Impact

Old Brand New

"When clients want a quick, impactful update, I recommend the pieces that take up the most surface area, like rugs, paint color, or window treatments. " — Tina Ramchandani

Focus on One Investment a Year

Willie Cole

"Buy one good piece of furniture every year, and in five years, you'll have five pieces. Everything else may change, but these will remain constant." — Jeffrey Bilhuber

Reflect Your Personality in the Bedrooms

Katie Hodges Design

"In the primary suite, decor can deviate from the common areas and really reflect your personality." — Ali Vanderpool and Ariana Villalta

Amp Up Your Ceiling Game

Paul Costello

“Faux paint, lush lacquer, or wallpaper on a ceiling will garner that ‘Wow’ response.” —Leslie May

Make Sure It All Fits

Old Brand New

"Being able to visualize the scale of a piece is critical. In our office, we say, 'When in doubt, tape it out!'" — Kylee Shintaffer

Mix Your Metals

Black Lacquer Design

"Embrace mixed metals. It can feel like the fixtures are curated and bespoke." — Shelley Johnstone

Collect Unique Pieces

Old Brand New

"The strange bust from the flea market, the weird painting you are drawn to: Buy them all. Curate a space that is truly one of a kind." — Stephanie Sabbe

Incorporate Inherited Pieces

Courtesy of Sarah Gilbane Interiors

"Don’t be afraid to use inherited antiques. Add a backdrop with exciting wallpaper: The combination is simply the best.” —Sara Gilbane

Use Wallpaper to Start a Conversation

Courtesy of Studio Monroe

“It’s a bit of an investment, and you can’t take it with you when you leave, but nothing brings va va voom like vibrant wallpaper in a conversation-topic pattern. ” —Emilie Munroe

Don't Stop Editing

Jennifer Palmer via Old Brand New

"The least expensive action: edit, edit, edit!" — Katie Sutton

Establish a Color Scheme

House Beautiful

For a head-to-toe makeover, the first step is creating a palette. "I come up with a basic color scheme for the whole house, and then I take that from room to room," reveals Gary McBournie, a designer based in Boston. "It plays itself out in different ways in different rooms."

More: 20+ Fresh New Color Combinations to Try

Put Investment Pieces Up Front

Francesco Lagnese

"Use and enjoy your antiques and unique finds, especially in a utilitarian room, like the bathroom. " — Bunny Williams

Play With Textiles

Francesco Lagnese

"Straw, jute, rush—natural materials and neutral tones are always chic. They're the white T-shirt of interior design." — Meg Braff

Extend Your Backsplash

Joshua McHugh

Add Texture

Amy Neunsinger

Neutral decor can be interesting if you include a variety of materials. "I used a range—from fine-gauge and open-weave linen, to raw silk and taffeta, to cotton velvet and distressed velvet," says California-based designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano. "Not only that, there's also the contrast of matte sheens that absorb the light, and lustrous sheens that reflect it."

Use the 50/150 Rule

Francesco Lagnese

For the perfect color family, mix one batch of paint 50 percent lighter than the base and another 150 percent darker. "That's a failsafe method for striping a wall. It's also a very architectural way of using color." — Mary Douglas Drysdale

Warm Up a Room With Mirrored Walls

Courtesy of Jan Showers

Mirrored panels like the ones lining this alcove can be elegant — but don't just slap them up, designer Jan Showers warns. Large sheets of mirrors will look commercial, so try a sectioned pattern in the traditional French style instead.

Don't Skimp on the Sofa

Douglas Friedman

"Put your money into a comfortable, well-made sofa that you'll have forever. You don't have to deny yourself that expensive designer fabric you love—just put it on something small, like a pillow." — Krista Ewart

Try a High-Contrast Palette

Kilz

Choose the Right Curtain Length

James Carrière

"For classic side panels, you really have to go all the way to the floor. If you're looking at ready-made drapes, make sure that they touch the floor, even if you have to buy the next size up and have them hemmed." — Scot Meacham Wood

Fake Square Footage

TREVOR TONDRO

Glass shower doors add instant square footage. To complete the illusion, run the floor tiles straight into the stall. "It makes the room feel larger," says designer Alla Akimova. "If I had changed materials, it would have interrupted the space."

Pile on Pillows

Victoria Pearson

"I don't do dinky accents...small pillows look like something that came with the furniture." — John De Bastiani

Caroline Picard Contributing Writer Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience.

Lauren Smith McDonough Senior Editor Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

Interior Decorating: 7 Basic Rules

Tips

Practicing Decorator, Lead Instructor and Curriculum Writer in International Design School (IDS)

Personal Website

1. Rhyme Items

First and the most important rule of interior decor is the combination of some elements with others, that is, “rhyme”. When choosing various accessories (paintings, vases, throw pillows, etc.), think about how they match with any interior object in color, shape or texture. For example, try to apply for curtains, cushions and armchairs or a very similar fabric or the same fabric but with different textures . Sofa cushions are good to "rhyme" with the paintings above the sofa - select the picture so that it contains the color of the sofa cushions. It is not necessary to match the object by color one to one, it is enough that the colors are very similar in tone.

Design by Tatyana Mironova.

2. Use two or three colors

When designing open shelves or racks, it is desirable to limit the number of colors used. To arrange the composition in the same style, use two or three colors. In addition, the overall tone of the collection on the shelves should match the color of the room. As for the color of the shelves themselves, it is better to give preference to neutral ones - black or white. It should be borne in mind that a different color of the shelves will also participate in the composition - and at least one of the objects in the composition will have to repeat this color for the "rhyme" (see paragraph 1). nine0003
House in Australia. Designed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects.

3. Play with textures

When creating a monochrome or achromatic interior, always use a variety of textures. Without textures, a monochrome interior looks boring. The principle of "three-component" will help you here: combine at least three different textures in one interior, for example, glossy, matte and voluminous.

4. Use an odd number of ornaments

If you use several ornaments in the interior, make sure that their number is odd. An even number of ornaments is more difficult to combine into a single image due to the peculiarities of perception. In the case of a combination of several ornaments, one of them should be larger or occupy the largest area. Ornaments should be of different sizes. nine0003

Photo

RICHARD POWERS

5. There are never too many vases

Before you buy a vase for your interior, decide whether you need it to create a mood in the interior, to maintain style or to set color accents - vases are beautiful in their variety. If you need to pick up several vases, the rule works well: "one shape - a different color" or "one color - a different shape." This will bring the necessary variety and will not allow you to get a boring look. nine0003
Vases designed by Jonathan Adler.

Photo

Literaryhealingarts.com

6. Don't forget about painting

Today there are no strict rules for matching painting and interior style. An easy way is to choose paintings in the same style as the interior. Or you can act on the principle of contrast: modern art looks great in a traditional interior, and drawings by old masters in a modern loft.

Apartment in Paris designed by Sarah Lavoine. nine0003
7. Experiment!

Periodically change the decor of the rooms and don't be afraid to experiment. After all, a simple change in exposure significantly changes the mood of the entire interior. It may seem complicated only at first glance, but after a couple of experiments, you will get quite a decent result.

Designed by Kelly Westler.

Photo

@kellywearstler

Designed by Pierre Jovanovich.

Photo

@pierre.yovanovitch

Tags

International Design School

tips for interior decoration from MSD - Phazenda program

Interior decoration: Game Plus PASTICATION
a game in which the rules must be respected, and at the same time skilfully broken. This is the opinion of the designer and artist, Master of Arts (MA Design Studies) Elena Lazareva, director of the WK School of Art & Design (London), curator of British programs at the International School of Design.
nine0086

The first and indisputable rule when creating an interior is to start with the development of an integral concept of the room. Presented in the form of
concept board (an abstract collage that reflects the colors, style, shapes and textures of the future interior), it greatly facilitates the task of transforming the space. Immediately there is a clear understanding of which direction to move in, the framework is determined, beyond which one should not go. Thanks to the concept board, it is easier to choose wallpapers, fabrics, furniture and accessories, it becomes clear whether they really fit together. nine0094

Neutral

Thinking about beautiful things, color and furniture, don't forget about "empty" spaces. And this is another rule. Walls painted with neutral paint accentuate the beauty of bright accessories and give rest to the eye. Calm textures allow a contrasting print to “show off”. Obviously, when it comes to an interior in a neutral range, contrast is required. Against a light background - a combination of light beige, cream, gray-brown that is currently trending - dark wood and dark accessories look spectacular. A bright color is also great to enliven the “neutral theme”. For example, pink goes well with white and taupe, green with taupe, black and white, red with white, sand, black, taupe and blue. nine0104 The lighter the color, the more noticeable the texture and texture should be. Diversify the interior can not only textiles in itself (say, a fluffy carpet), but also folds, wooden cut ornament, collections of items, stucco, prints and much more.

Composition center

The most important task in decor is to create a compositional center, or focal point in a room. The main thing that we see in the first place and from which we begin to consider the composition of the interior can be large, bright, especially eye-catching objects. For example, in the bedroom there is a beautifully decorated bed with a luxurious headboard, in the living room there is a large fireplace, in the office there is a rack with a collection of figurines . .. All other items should complement this object, emphasize its significance and beauty. nine0104 If there are a lot of extraordinary things in the room, then, literally, your eyes run wide - you don’t know what to look at first. This usually causes irritation. However, it happens that a designer or decorator intentionally fills the space with “special” things. A deliberately saturated interior always looks bright, but it is important to understand what goal you are pursuing.

Declutter!

Gone are the days when a family's well-being was determined by the number of crystal vases and carpets. But it is still customary for us to fill dwellings with expensive (if not materially, then “spiritually”) things and gizmos. Everything is even worse than it was! nine0104 Grandmother's porcelain figurines gather dust on the shelves interspersed with plastic souvenirs, New Year's cards and scented candles. Western designers unanimously repeat: “Declutter! Declutter!" (in the sense of "get rid of the excess"). I agree with this, the interior really should not have too many things, more precisely, more items than enough. Countless trinkets only overload the interior. It is not necessary to throw them away, put them in boxes and put them out of sight. Leave in sight only what is really important and useful for you, what is really worth showing - a beautiful lamp, a few photographs or figurines, a bright blanket and, okay, let there be a couple of vases. nine0003

Expensive? Expensive!

There are things worth investing in. We are talking about items that will stay with you for a long time, with which you will have daily contact. Even if the budget is modest, allow yourself a little luxury from expensive brands. An elegant photo frame from Ralph Lauren, a small vase or a lacquered box from Armani Casa are likely to be available. Being in front of the guests, they will "work" for your image and cheer you up. At the same time, you can effectively decorate the interior with inexpensive, but high-quality, stylish products, interesting natural objects. In the decorator's arsenal: a container with fruit, a tall bouquet of dried flowers, coral twigs, quartz druze, little things from a flea market or from a grandmother's inheritance ...

Trends

What is fashionable to decorate a home today? Relevant: geometric ornament, natural wood and stone (especially marble), yellow metals (copper, gold), bright color accents (armchairs, screens). Also, no one canceled the white walls; modernism and Scandinavian style are still in trend. Parquet interspersed with painted colored boards, pendant lamps with metal-like shades are popular. I think all this will hold out for a long time at the peak of fashion. It is interesting to follow trends, however, it is much more interesting to experiment. Coming up with new combinations of prints and textures, exploring the possibilities of accessories, turning to history and looking into the future, observing and breaking the rules, we are quite capable of setting new trends in fashion design ourselves. nine0003

6 design tips:

In addition to significant objects, textures and textures, include a “neutral” background in the concept board - something that rests the eye on.

When decorating a room, think about what to place opposite the door, that is, what you will later see in the doorway, walking along the corridor. A picture on the far wall (albeit a small one) or a beautiful piece of furniture, a vase of flowers on a table will do - in a word, something pleasing to the eye.

An odd number of ornaments works well in the interior. The ornaments themselves should be emotionally different (graphically or in scale). nine0079
An active geometric pattern or an animal print is the right combination with a neutral texture. A worthy company for a floral ornament is both the lack of texture and the geometric “picture”.

Graphics should be hung on the walls exactly at eye level, and not higher, as is often the case.
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