20 Rules You Shouldn’t Forget When Decorating Your Home, According to Designers
Embarking on a home decoration journey is both exciting and daunting. How do you transform a space to reflect your personality while ensuring functionality? Designers have shared wisdom over the years that can guide you in creating a home that is both unique and cohesive.
Below, I share 30 essential rules that will elevate your decorating game. From choosing the right color palette to understanding scale and proportion, each rule is crafted to inspire creativity and confidence in your decorating decisions.
1. Rule 1: Balance Your Color Palette
Colors set the mood, and achieving balance is crucial. Where bold hues dominate, subtle shades soothe. Imagine a living room bathed in soft greys and blues, with gold accents—a harmonious dance of colors. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant tones or pastel whispers, balance is your friend.
Incorporating a mix of bold and neutral tones can create a dynamic space. Don’t shy away from experimenting, but remember to step back and assess the overall harmony. Your home should feel like a cohesive story.
Moreover, consider the function of each room. Bedrooms might benefit from calming colors, while living areas could embrace livelier shades. This thoughtful approach ensures each space resonates with its intended purpose.
2. Rule 2: Embrace Textures
Texture breathes life into a space, providing depth and interest. Imagine a cozy bedroom, where a knitted throw, velvet cushions, and a wooden headboard invite touch and admiration. Contrasting textures can transform any room from flat to fabulous.
By mixing materials—think glass with wood or leather with linen—you add layers that intrigue. Textures aren’t just about touch; they engage the senses and enhance the visual narrative of your home.
Why stick to one feel when the world of textures awaits? Go ahead, mix and match, and watch your space come alive with unique character and warmth.
3. Rule 3: Consider Scale and Proportion
Scale and proportion unlock harmony in any room. Picture a dining room where a large wooden table stands proudly, accompanied by proportionate chairs. This balance invites comfort and style.
Understanding scale ensures that furniture fits the space without overpowering it. Small rooms benefit from sleek pieces, while larger areas can accomodate more substantial furniture.
Proportion affects how elements relate to one another. A consistent scale ties the room together, creating a unified look that feels natural. It’s not just about size; it’s about relationship, ensuring peace and purpose in every arrangement.
4. Rule 4: Layer Your Lighting
Lighting shapes mood and function. Imagine a living room where an overhead chandelier, table lamps, and wall sconces illuminate various moods. Layered lighting provides flexibility and ambiance.
Start with ambient lighting for general illumination. Add task lighting for focused activities and accent lighting for drama. This approach allows you to tailor the mood to any occasion.
Consider dimmers; they offer control over intensity, allowing you to switch from bright to intimate with ease. With thoughtful lighting, you create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere, enhancing every corner of your home.
5. Rule 5: Curate Personal Collections
Personal collections narrate stories and add individuality. Consider a stylish living room where a collection of vintage cameras commands attention. These objects reflect personal history and interests.
Curating your collection requires balance—avoid clutter but showcase significance. Group items with similar themes but vary their display heights for visual interest.
These collections become conversation starters and infuse your space with unique personality. Embrace what you love, and let your home become a gallery that celebrates your journey and passions.
6. Rule 6: Prioritize Comfort
Comfort is king when it comes to home décor. Picture a family room where plush seating, soft rugs, and inviting throw blankets beckon relaxation. A comfortable space invites you to linger longer.
Choosing furniture that feels good is as important as how it looks. Consider the seating depth of sofas or the texture of fabrics. These details make a difference.
Ultimately, your home should be a sanctuary. By prioritizing comfort, you create spaces where you and your guests can unwind and feel at ease, fostering joy and tranquility.
7. Rule 7: Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are magical in transforming spaces. Envision a bright hallway where strategically placed mirrors reflect light, doubling the sense of space and brightness.
Mirrors can be used to enhance natural light or create the illusion of depth. Placing them opposite windows or in narrow hallways amplifies their effect.
Beyond function, mirrors add an element of design. From ornate to minimal, they can complement your décor style. Explore different shapes and sizes to find the perfect reflection for your home.
8. Rule 8: Add Greenery
Greenery breathes life and freshness into interiors. Visualize a modern office space adorned with indoor plants that purify air and boost mood.
Incorporating plants into your décor introduces organic shapes and lively colors. From towering fiddle leaf figs to tiny succulents, each plant adds a unique touch.
Moreover, plants connect us to nature and offer a sense of tranquility. They soften edges and create inviting environments. Whether you have a green thumb or prefer low-maintenance options, greenery is a vital element in any home.
9. Rule 9: Mix Old and New
Blending old and new creates a dynamic and timeless space. Imagine a vintage armchair paired with a sleek modern coffee table, each enhancing the room’s character.
This mix allows for personal expression, where cherished heirlooms coexist with contemporary pieces. It tells a story of past and present, offering depth and contrast.
Exploring this blend requires balance. Ensure that the combination feels intentional, with a thoughtful approach to color and style. This curation results in a harmonious aesthetic that feels both fresh and familiar.
10. Rule 10: Create Focal Points
Focal points anchor spaces and draw the eye. Envision a living room where a stunning fireplace serves as the central attraction, inviting admiration.
A focal point can be architectural, like a fireplace or a window, or decorative, like art or a statement piece of furniture. These elements guide the viewer’s attention and set the tone for the room.
To enhance a focal point, use complementary colors or lighting. This emphasis ensures the focal point shines, creating a captivating and organized environment. It’s all about directing attention purposefully.
11. Rule 11: Incorporate Art
Art infuses personality and depth into a room. Picture a gallery wall where eclectic art pieces enliven a neutral living room, each piece a testament to creativity.
Choosing art involves more than aesthetics; it reflects your taste and interests. Whether you prefer bold abstracts or serene landscapes, art can transform a space.
Consider scale and placement. Art should complement the room’s proportions and existing décor. By thoughtfully incorporating art, you create a vibrant and personal atmosphere that reflects your unique style and passion.
12. Rule 12: Define Spaces with Rugs
Rugs define spaces, especially in open-plan areas. Imagine a living and dining area where distinct rugs delineate functions, adding warmth and texture.
Selecting the right rug involves considering size, pattern, and material. A well-chosen rug ties a room together and anchors furniture, creating a cohesive look.
Moreover, rugs add comfort underfoot and can influence the room’s acoustics. By defining spaces with rugs, you introduce color and pattern while enhancing the room’s layout and functionality.
13. Rule 13: Opt for Quality Over Quantity
Quality trumps quantity in crafting a sophisticated space. Envision a minimalist bedroom where each piece exudes elegance and durability, creating a lasting impression.
Investing in quality ensures longevity and reduces waste. Choose timeless designs that withstand trends, offering both beauty and function.
Focusing on fewer, high-quality items prevents clutter and emphasizes the value of each piece. This philosophy fosters an environment of luxury and mindfulness, where every detail counts.
14. Rule 14: Don’t Overmatch
Overmatching can stifle creativity. Imagine a lively living room where mismatched patterns and colors dance harmoniously, showcasing a designer’s flair.
By avoiding overmatching, you inject personality and energy into a space. Different textures, patterns, and styles can coexist beautifully when balanced thoughtfully.
Challenge conventions by mixing and matching. Allow your space to evolve organically, reflecting your unique taste and individuality. This approach results in a dynamic, engaging environment.
15. Rule 15: Pay Attention to Details
Details define style and elevate design. Picture a stylish living room where each accent, from cushion to candle, is thoughtfully chosen to complement the overall theme.
Paying attention to details means noticing the small elements that contribute to the bigger picture. These details can include hardware, trim, or decorative accessories.
By focusing on minute elements, you refine your space, creating a polished and cohesive look. Details are the finishing touches that bring your vision to life, ensuring your home feels complete and uniquely yours.
16. Rule 16: Consider the Ceiling
Ceilings often go unnoticed, yet they offer opportunities for creativity. Envision a room where the ceiling boasts bold paint and intricate molding, adding an unexpected element of design.
Treating the ceiling as a fifth wall allows you to explore color, texture, and architectural details. Whether it’s through paint, wallpaper, or exposed beams, the ceiling can transform the ambiance of a room.
By considering the ceiling in your design plans, you create a more cohesive and thought-out space. It’s a chance to add flair and make a lasting impression, turning the ordinary into extraordinary.
17. Rule 17: Optimize Storage
Storage solutions maintain order and enhance functionality. Visualize a living room where built-in shelves and hidden storage keep clutter at bay while adding style.
Optimizing storage involves creative thinking. Consider multifunctional furniture or bespoke storage pieces that fit your needs and space.
Effective storage transforms a room, making it both beautiful and practical. With ample storage, you ensure your home remains organized, allowing your design choices to shine and your lifestyle to flourish.
18. Rule 18: Use Different Materials
Materials contribute to a room’s character. Picture a dining room where metal chairs meet a wooden table, creating a contrast that captivates.
Using different materials adds depth and interest. Mixing wood, metal, glass, and fabric introduces texture and variety, enriching the visual experience.
This approach encourages creativity and personal expression. By blending materials, you break monotony and inject your space with dynamic energy, crafting a unique and inspiring environment.
19. Rule 19: Incorporate Patterns
Patterns inject life and dynamism. Envision a bedroom where bold patterned wallpaper and complementary bedding make a statement, exuding style.
Patterns offer endless possibilities, from geometric designs to floral motifs. They can be used to highlight features or add depth to a room.
When incorporating patterns, consider balance and scale to avoid overwhelming the space. Combining different patterns harmoniously enhances the room’s narrative, creating a vibrant and cohesive look.
20. Rule 20: Emphasize Vertical Space
Vertical space often goes underutilized. Imagine a small apartment where vertical shelves and hanging plants maximize every inch, creating a functional and stylish haven.
By using vertical space, you can overcome spatial limitations. Shelving, tall furniture, and hanging décor draw the eyes upward, expanding the room’s perceived size.
Emphasizing vertical space is perfect for compact environments. It optimizes storage and display areas, allowing your design to soar and your personality to shine, even in limited space.