8 Decorating Secrets Designers Wish They Knew Sooner
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
Even seasoned interior designers started their careers somewhere—and that somewhere may not have included all the decorating tips and tricks they keep up their sleeves now. That's why we asked several interior designers which decorating secrets they now incorporate into every space.
Their secrets are out. Spare yourself the trial and error of decor woes, and read on for eight decorating musts designers wish they knew about sooner.
Incorporate the Rule of Threes
Design by Kathy Kuo Home
Interior designer Kathy Kuo is a big proponent of the "rule of thirds" for arranging vignettes. Whether you’re styling a coffee table, bookshelf, or console table, a trio of one vertical item, one horizontal one, and one sculptural one is all but guaranteed to look polished and visually appealing.
“There was a time when I was prone to overthinking surface styling—I was constantly swapping random pieces in and out before getting the right combination,” Kuo says. “Adding this number-based rule to my list of decor tricks helped simplify the process."
Use Paint For an Instant Makeover
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
Nothing transforms a space quite as quickly or dramatically as a new coat of paint—or, as interior designer Kate Dawson calls it, “a decorator’s miracle.” A fresh wall color is a cost-effective way to instantly change the vibe and energy of a room.
If you’re weary of overhauling an entire room with paint, Dawson recommends painting an unexpected color block. For example, painting an oversized arch over a desk area instantly adds interest for a one-of-a-kind space.
“Little things like that always add depth while staying incredibly affordable and easy to switch up down the line,” Dawson says. “This way you can be brave and bold with your color choice.”
Add Plenty of Personal Touches
Design by Milk and Honey Life
Framed family photos, that ceramic dish from Portugal, grandma’s hand-crocheted doily—heirlooms add a touch of history and tradition, transforming a cookie-cutter space into a custom one. By carefully curating travel souvenirs and photos, you can transform your space into a reflection of your unique personality and experiences.
“Incorporating these personal touches into your space can bring a sense of familiarity, turning a house into a home,” Morgan Van Roekel of Ohm Sweet Ohm says.
Pillows Are a Must
Design by Kathy Kuo Home
An outfit looks bare without accessories. The same goes for a couch without pillows.
“I see decorative pillows as the home’s version of earrings, shoes, and scarfs,” Dawson says.
Layer pillow after pillow on your couch, accent chair, and bed. This simple, budget-friendly decorator’s secret adds personality and pops of color throughout a room, giving the space cohesion and new energy.
Don’t Overlook Lighting
Design by Kathy Kuo Home
It can be tempting to settle with whatever overhead lighting you inherited in your home, but Valerie Stafford, lead designer at Rumor Designs, says don’t stop there. Instead, incorporate multiple layers of lighting in your home.
"Not all light needs to be sourced from a can overhead,” Stafford says.
Consider under cabinet lighting to warm a kitchen, toe-kick lighting in bathrooms, as well as wall sconces and lamps. These lighting options add extra levels and layers of light to spruce up any intimate seating area.
Set a Room’s Tone with a Rug
Design by Kathy Kuo Home
Not sure which accent colors to highlight in a room? Look down. Your rug may provide some inspiration as to which colors to highlight. Pull from that color palette to help select other decor items for the space.
“Rugs are a great tool for elevating and rejuvenating a space,” Peyton Helsen, lead designer at Rumor Designs, says.
Consider Scale to Create Balance
Design by Rumor Designs
Understanding the scale and proportion of furniture and decor in a room is crucial for balance and harmony, says Van Roekel. Large furniture can overwhelm a small space, while petite pieces in an oversized room can feel lost.
When in doubt, measure, measure, and then measure again.
Mix Old and New
Design by Milk and Honey Life
When it comes to layering decor items, there’s a Goldilocks-like balance to achieve. Exclusively displaying modern pieces can feel cold, while a room full of vintage ones can feel antiquated. Find a just right combination of both vintage and modern styles to elevate any room.
“By blending classic and contemporary elements, you create a space that is not only visually appealing but also full of character and charm,” Van Roekel says.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
