So, you decided to tackle home design. Maybe you just moved, or perhaps you realized that the furniture you’ve had since college doesn’t scream ”grown-up” anymore!
Either way, it’s a bold and brave decision to decorate on your own. Kudos to you! But be warned: there will be moments when you stare at a paint swatch for so long you’ll forget what color it is!
Here’s a bit of advice – everyone starts as a beginner, and every seasoned designer has made at least one questionable design choice. Yes, even those people with perfect houses on Instagram!
So, grab your notebook and a pen, and let’s dive into some genuinely helpful interior design tips to start you off on the right foot!
1. Start with a Vision
The first rule of design is to have a vision, which sounds easier than it is. Do you want a boho paradise? Or an ultra-modern museum look?
You can even make a Pinterest board if that’s your thing! Your “vision” doesn’t have to be perfect. You’re just trying to avoid ending up with a living room that feels like a thrift store exploded.
2. Get to Know the Colors
Picking colors is a tricky business. You can spend hours swiping through paint swatches, fall in love with one color, and then see it look totally different in your room’s lighting!
Pro tip: Try it on the walls first! Paint a few patches and live with them for a few days before you decide. And remember, it’s okay to go neutral!
3. Mix (Leave Out the Matching)
It’s 2024, and the “matchy-matchy” look is out. You don’t need a couch, rug, curtains, and pillows all in the same shade of blue. Feel free to mix colors, patterns, and textures.
Just think of it like fashion—wearing all denim can work, but sometimes it’s better to mix it up. Start small if this is overwhelming, like pairing a solid-colored sofa with a funky patterned pillow.
4. Furniture Size: Measure Twice, Buy Once
Furniture should fit your space and not look like it’s been crammed into a corner or swallowed by the room. Measure your room, write it down, and take those measurements with you everywhere.
And consider scale: a giant sectional might look great in a furniture showroom but overwhelming in a small apartment. Plus, return policies for couches? Not as forgiving as you’d like.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of the Floor Plan
Ever walk into a room where all the furniture is hugging the walls? It’s a common beginner mistake. Think of your room like a conversation—the pieces should face each other, not flee to opposite corners.
Arrange furniture so that it feels like it’s inviting people to sit and stay awhile. And yes, this might mean putting a chair or sofa right in the middle of the room (gasp!).
6. Decorating with Light
One ceiling light does not make a well-lit room. Lighting can change the entire vibe of a space! Get a mix of lighting options: table lamps, floor lamps, or maybe even a cute little reading lamp!
This adds depth and warmth to a room. Plus, dimmers are your friend—they’ll make every room instantly feel a little bit classier.
7. Mindful Art Arranging
Art on your walls is like the seasoning in your favorite dish—it makes everything better. But one tiny frame on a big wall will look sad, and a huge painting in a tiny space will overwhelm it.
A good rule of thumb? Art should be about 2/3 the width of the furniture it’s above. Or go gallery-style: arrange a few smaller pieces in a group to make a big impact.
Don’t know what to pick? Prints, posters, and even framing personal photos are all great places to start.
8. Plants as the Ol’ Reliable
Yes, real plants are amazing, but not all of us have green thumbs. That’s okay! Go fake if you must. Plants add life and color to a space, and even the fake ones are getting really convincing.
Throw a few leafy greens around, or pop a cactus on a bookshelf. Pro tip: put a couple of fake plants up high; no one will be able to tell they’re not real!
9. Pillows All Around
Want to make a statement without committing to an expensive piece? Throw pillows and blankets are your best friends.
They’re inexpensive, easy to swap, and they can bring color, texture, and warmth to any space. Plus, if you get tired of them, you can switch them out without blowing your budget.
10. Perfection Is Overrated
Last but not least, give yourself a break. Your home is a reflection of you, not an HGTV show. It’s okay if it’s not perfect or looks like a magazine cover right away—or ever.
Your taste will evolve, and that’s a good thing. Focus on creating a space you enjoy being in, not one that lives up to anyone else’s idea of style.