My 50 Best Decorating Tips
Decorating your home can be a fun process but for those who find design challenging, it can also be a bit overwhelming. To help you achieve your goal, I have put together my 50 best decorating tips.
1. HANG ARTWORK AT EYE LEVEL.
Art should be hung at eye level and that means hanging the center of the piece between 5 feet and 5 and a half feet. For more information on hanging art, please check out these tips.
Artwork by Susan Newberry Designs
2. INVITE NATURE INSIDE
Add fresh flowers to your space. Even wildflowers can bring life to your space.
3. KEEP WINDOW TREATMENTS SIMPLE.
Fussy is out! Window treatments have gotten simpler over the years. Besides simplifying, hang them high - to the ceiling if you can. They should touch or float on the floor as well. For more tips on hanging window treatments check out this article.
4. DON’T FLOAT RUGS IN A ROOM.
Instead of floating make sure your furniture sits or rests on your rug.
5. INVEST WHERE IT MATTERS.
This means the larger pieces - your bed, sofa, the dining table.
6. ONLY BUY WHAT YOU LOVE.
You’ll save yourself a lot of money if you buy what you love. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it. You’ll only end up getting rid of it.
7. LAYER YOUR LIGHTING.
That means using more than one light source in your space. Ideally, there should be 3 different light sources in every space. Think ambient (or genera), task, and accent.
8. COLLECT UNIQUE PIECES.
These are pieces that you love. Perhaps you’ve collected from your journeys over the years. This is a great way to showcase your personality.
9. ADD GREENERY.
Plants can add color and texture to your space and they’re good for your health, too!
10. REUSE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE.
Repurpose your items if you can. This is where your DIY skills can come into play.
11. MIX OLD AND NEW, MODERN AND VINTAGE.
Don’t be afraid of using antiques in your space.
12. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT BULBS.
Don’t mix your light bulbs. Lightbulbs come in a variety of shades, from bright white to blueish, to yellowish. Pick the one that looks best in your space.
13. USE LARGE ART INSTEAD OF SMALL.
If you do use small art, create a gallery wall to make a statement. Mix sizes and shapes for the best effect.
Artwork by Susan Newberry Designs
14. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE CEILING.
Think of it as your fifth wall. Don’t be afraid to paint it.
15. USE ODD NUMBERS WHEN DECORATING.
Remember the rule of 3 when grouping items (3 - 5 - 7).
16. USE NATURAL MATERIALS TO ADD WARMTH.
This could mean using natural materials like linen and cotton or adding natural fibers like jute. You can also add baskets, blankets and natural wood to your space.
17. USE MIRRORS TO ENHANCE LIGHT.
Place them where they will reflect light.
18. DON’T FOLLOW TRENDS; THINK CLASSIC IN TIME.
19. MIX UP YOUR DISHES.
There’s nothing wrong with mix and match dishes. Start with a basic color palette and have fun. When you are done, it should look like you’ve planned it.
20. CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE YOU LOVE AND USE IT THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE.
21. KNOW YOUR DECORATING STYLE.
22. USE PILLOWS FOR A LUXURIOUS LOOK.
23. THINK ASYMMETRICAL FOR A MORE CASUAL LOOK.
Know your style. Today’s lifestyle is more casual. If you decorate with symmetry, you will end up with a more formal style.
24. LEAN ART ON THE MANTEL.
25. PAINT OR WALLPAPER THE BACK OF A BOOKCASE.
26. DECORATE WITH BOOKS.
Shop thrift shops for inexpensive books. Look for neutral colors or cover books with gift wrap for a unique look.
27. BRING FURNITURE AWAY FROM THE WALL.
28. USE DIFFERENT TEXTURES.
29. USE LARGE PLANTS, NOT TINY ONES.
Large plants can make a statement in a room and are easier to care for than several small ones.
30. DECLUTTER YOUR KITCHEN
Put things away. Only keep out what is used daily. This will make cleaning much easier!
31. ALWAYS MAKE YOUR BED.
You’ll feel better knowing that you did!
Artwork by Susan Newberry Designs
32. USE RUGS TO SEPARATE SPACES.
33. TEST PAINT SAMPLES AT HOME.
Don’t make your choice at the paint store. The lighting is often fluorescent. Test your colors in your home’s natural light. You’ll be glad you did.
34. USE FURNITURE THAT HAS MULTIPLE PURPOSES LIKE A STORAGE OTTOMAN.
35. GO BOLD IN SMALL SPACES.
Better to go bold in a small space than in a large space. Think powder room, laundry room, or mud room.
36. PUT A FOCAL POINT IN EVERY ROOM.
The fireplace in the living room, the dining table in the dining room, and the bed in the bedroom are natural focal points. Play them up.
37. THINK ABOUT TRAFFIC FLOW WHEN PLACING FURNITURE.
Make sure there is enough space to walk around. 36 inches is usually a good rule of thumb. More if you can.
38. MIX AND MATCH FURNITURE.
Mix antiques with modern, vintage with new.
39. STAY NEUTRAL WITH YOUR LARGEST PIECES OF FURNITURE.
Add color with accessories such as pillows, throws, window treatments, and rugs.
40. USE TRAYS TO DISPLAY - EVERYTHING LOOKS BETTER IN A TRAY.
41. ADD THE UNEXPECTED.
Paint a focal wall, paint the ceiling or add a bold piece of art.
42. DON’T FORGE THE ENTRY - INSIDE AND OUT
This is where people get their first impression. Make it a good one!
43. UPGRADE FURNITURE AND CABINETS WITH NEW HARDWARE.
It’s a great way to upgrade and change the look of your space for little money.
44. CREATE AN OUTDOOR ROOM.
Create an outdoor living space on your deck, patio, or balcony. You can even turn your outside space into a vacation spot.
45. MEASURE TWICE - MAKE SURE IT FITS.
46 DON’T SACRIFICE COMFORT FOR LOOKS.
47. USE MATTE PAINT WHEN PAINTING A ROOM.
Matte and flat paint is a great choice for ceilings as well as walls in the bedroom, dining room, and living room. It’s easy to touch up and doesn’t bring attention to imperfections.
48. IF SOMETHING ISN’T BRINGING YOU JOY, GET RID OF IT.
49. REMEMBER LESS IS MORE.
50. TRUST IN YOURSELF.
By now you should feel good about your decorating space. Give yourself some credit. One of my favorite design quotes by Dorothy Draper is “If it looks good, it is good.” So if you can stand back and like what you see, give yourself a pat on the back.
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Have a great week. Thanks for stopping by…
Until next time,
