6 Interior Design Tips to Decorate Like a Pro

Whether you’re remodeling or simply refreshing a room, these six DIY interior design tips focus on simple changes that make a big impact.

As a graphic designer, I’ve noticed that interior designers consistently return to a few key principles when shaping a room. While working on my own fixer-upper, those same ideas have proven especially useful.

Here are six interior design tips to help you create a space that feels cohesive, comfortable, and reflective of your personal style.

1. White Space

White space is a place to rest your eyes. You may be tempted to fill every wall, nook, and cranny to create a homey vibe, but doing that may have the opposite effect and my your space feel closed in. Just remember, less is more sometimes. Plus less stuff means less dusting.

Looking to declutter? Here are a few down-to-earth tips to simplify your space.

2. Color, Patterns & Texture

If you’re unsure about what colors and patterns to choose, I recommend keeping it simple. You really can’t go wrong with neutral paint on interior walls and pops of color with accents and artwork, or just one feature wall with vibrant wallpaper.

Bring in texture and color with furniture and accent pieces in the room. Experiment with adding greenery, rustic wood side tables, a cozy patterned rug, wicker lamps, brass candlesticks, and glass accents like bud vases. Most importantly, pick pieces for your room that resonate with you and have meaning.

3. Keep it Light and Airy

This is a personal preference, but I like a lot of light in my rooms, preferably natural light. If you don’t have natural light pouring into a room, don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to add that light-happy feeling. The right accent lamps and lighting can help, or maybe you need to get rid of heavy curtains or drapery. If you have darker furniture, try adding light-colored accent pillows and natural elements like wood shelves, wicker trays, terracotta, linen, and greenery to make a room feel light and breezy.

4. Hang Pictures at Eye-Level

There is no hard and fast rule on this, but avoid hanging artwork too high or too low. Most of us are between 5 and 6 feet tall, so in general, it’s best to hang mirrors and artwork at a comfortable (eye) level.

5. Buy Furniture that Fits the Room

Before heading to the furniture store, I always make a quick sketch of the room I plan to furnish. Helpful things to include: rough furniture placement ideas, overall room size, and location of doorways.

Beyond measurements, determine the sightlines in the room in relationship to focal points like the TV or fireplace. In our house, a comfortable view of the TV is important in the family room. No one likes to have to sit where there’s an awkward side view of the TV screen.

With measurements and rough sketches in hand, you’ll be able to determine if that sectional you love will fit your family room before it’s delivered.

Related Post: Home Office Ideas for Small Spaces and 5 Tips to Make a Small Home More Functional.

6. Check the Balance in the Room

After everything is in place in a room, I like to step as far back as possible (even out of the room) and look at the space as a whole to see if anything looks or feels out of balance.

Step back and look at the height of the pieces in the room and the angles of the furniture.

If the space feels unbalanced or you struggle to walk freely into the room, be open to making a last-minute decision to move a bookshelf, or take an extra chair out of the space.

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Propagation Station Ideas + Tips on Painting Interior Stairs + Quick Organization Tips