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Are you tired of walking into your home and feeling underwhelmed by the decor? Do you dream of having a beautifully designed space but have no idea where to start? You’re definitely not alone. According to a survey by Houzz, 79% of homeowners want to decorate or redecorate but don’t know where to begin. I’ve been there too—staring at a blank wall, wondering if I should hang a photo or paint it, or both.
But here’s the good news: transforming your space doesn’t require a design degree or a massive budget. It just takes a few thoughtful tricks, and today, I’m going to share 15 of my favorite design tips for beginners that will make your home feel curated, intentional, and downright gorgeous.
1. Hang Curtains High and Wide
One of the easiest ways to make your space feel taller and more luxurious is to hang curtains just a few inches below the ceiling and let them fall all the way to the floor. This simple shift draws the eye upward and creates the illusion of taller ceilings and larger windows. I used to hang mine right above the window frame until I saw the difference with this trick—instant upgrade.
2. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette
It might be tempting to throw every color you love into your home, but too many competing hues can make your space feel chaotic. Instead, choose a color palette and stick with it throughout your rooms. That doesn’t mean every wall needs to be the same color, but there should be some thread tying everything together. I lean toward warm neutrals with natural textures, which helps each room flow into the next. If you’d like more information on choosing a color palette for your home, check out this post here.
3. Mix Textures for Depth
Texture is a secret weapon in creating a visually interesting space. Think chunky knit throws, rattan chairs, velvet pillows, and woven rugs. Combining different textures adds richness and dimension. When I styled our living room, I layered a jute rug under a vintage-styled one—the contrast is cozy, elevated, and very designer-looking.
4. Incorporate Lighting Layers
Relying solely on overhead lighting can make your home feel flat. Add table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and even string lights to create ambiance and depth.
In my dining room, I swapped two recessed ceiling lights for two gorgeous glass shaped pendant lights using this converter. The look and mood instantly changed from harsh overhead lighting to soft ambient lighting.
5. Invest in a Few Statement Pieces
Not everything in your home needs to be expensive, but having a few standout pieces can elevate the whole room. Here are a few examples of statement pieces you can use in your home:
• Oversized Art: A large canvas or framed print can instantly draw the eye and anchor a room.
• Sculptural Lighting: Think chandeliers, modern pendants, or unique floor lamps that double as artwork.
• Bold Rugs: A colorful, patterned, or textured rug can set the entire tone for a space.
• Accent Chairs: A velvet, leather, or uniquely shaped chair can add personality to a living room or bedroom.
• Architectural Mirrors: Large, uniquely shaped mirrors (arched, irregular, etc.) make a big impact and help reflect light.
• Statement Coffee Table: An interesting coffee table—maybe marble, wood, or metal with unique lines—can be a focal point.
• Decorative Vases or Sculptures: Extra-large ceramic vases, organic-shaped sculptures, or stacked stone art pieces.
• Wallpapered Accent Walls: A bold wallpaper design on just one wall can be enough to create a “wow” moment.
• Dramatic Headboards: In bedrooms, an oversized, upholstered, or intricately designed headboard steals the show.
6. Create Balance with Scale
Pay attention to the proportions of your furniture and decor. A tiny rug under a massive sectional will throw the whole room off. Aim for a mix of large, medium, and small items to create balance. When in doubt, go slightly larger with rugs and artwork—they anchor the space and make it feel more intentional.
7. Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs aren’t just for warmth—they also help define different areas, especially in open-concept layouts. A rug under the sofa and coffee table can make a living room feel cozy and grounded. I use different rugs in our living and dining spaces to subtly separate them without using any walls.
8. Layer Your Decor
Decorating is a bit like styling an outfit. Layering accessories, books, candles, and small decorative items gives personality to your space. A stack of books on a coffee table with a small plant or tray on top looks curated, not cluttered. I love changing these layers seasonally to keep things fresh.
9. Edit, Edit, Edit
Sometimes the most powerful design move is knowing what to remove. If something doesn’t serve the space, let it go. I regularly edit my shelves and surfaces to avoid that “mishmash” look. Less really is more.
10. Add Personal Touches
Incorporate items that tell your story—whether it’s travel souvenirs, heirloom pieces, family photos, or DIY projects. I made candle stick holders using air dry clay with my daughter and have them displayed in our living room. It makes me smile every time see them.
11. Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space
Mirrors are magic. They reflect light and can make even the smallest rooms feel bigger and brighter. Hang one across from a window or in a tight hallway to open things up. Bonus: mirrors double as decor.
12. Don’t Push All Furniture Against the Walls
Floating furniture inward—even just a few inches—can create a more inviting, conversational layout. In our family room, pulling the sofa away from the wall and adding a console table behind it made everything feel more styled and cozy.
13. Update Hardware and Fixtures
Don’t underestimate the impact of small changes like new drawer pulls or modern light switch plates. I swapped out the outdated outlet plates, and ceiling fans in the house for new modern ones and it made the whole house feel new & updated.
14. Add Greenery to Every Room
Plants bring life to any space. A tall tree in a woven basket, a trailing pothos on a bookshelf, or a few herbs in the kitchen—it doesn’t take much. Even faux plants can add that natural touch if you’re not into plant care (guilty!).
15. Repeat Design Elements
Want your space to feel cohesive? Repeat materials, finishes, or shapes throughout your home. If you have black hardware in the kitchen, consider black picture frames or lamps in the living room. This little trick helps tie everything together visually.
Final Thoughts
Designing your home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these 15 beginner-friendly tips, you can start creating a space that looks professionally styled but still feels personal and livable. Remember, good design is more about thoughtful choices than expensive furnishings. Start small, trust your eye, and don’t be afraid to edit along the way.
You’ve got this!
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