How to Home Decor Tips by Gregory Morris

Decorating your home is an exciting experience, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Most of the time, we acquire a few things over time and gradually add them to our living environments, a plant here or a rug there, but whether you’re moving into a new home or redoing your current space, understanding common home decor tips can help you create a stylish and functional environment. In this blog post, I’ll break down some easy home decor tips, DIY advice, and common questions to help you design your space to be lively. 

Essential Home Decorating Tips

When it comes to home decor, there are several important elements that can elevate your space. Here are some easy-to-follow tips that will make your home feel like it was professionally decorated.

1. Add Houseplants

Houseplants are a great way to bring life into any room. Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or a beginner, there are plenty of low-maintenance options, like succulents, ferns, or lucky bamboo. Houseplants can also help purify the air, creating a healthier environment. Don't be afraid to mix and match different plants, from small succulents on your bookshelf to larger floor pots in corners like fiddle fig trees. If you're feeling low maintenance, pick up some cut-arranged flowers for your grocery store or local trader Joe; it adds life to your home while not worrying about keeping them up in the soil; make it apart from your weekly shopping routine. 

2. Combine Different Textures

Mixing textures in furniture and decor creates an appealing room. Pair a plush wool rug with a sleek leather sofa or a jute rug with colorful throw pillows to add personality and visual interest. When everything in a room starts to match one specific texture, like woven jute, the room can become one-note and boring. So avoid buying a matching living room set in the same gray color.

3. Create a Focal Point in Every Room

Each room should have a focal point that draws the eye. Great focal points we love are massive artwork or gallery walls, a beautiful fireplace with a decorative mantle, or a stunning view of a lake. Arranging furniture and accessories around this focal point helps balance the room and create harmony. It also encourages conversation and makes the space feel more inviting. Yes, it is okay to have a focal point around a TV; consider making the TV part of a gallery wall to create a more significant focus.

4. Declutter & Edit Your Space

Coco Chanel used to say, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." Think of your space as less is more. We do not need to fill every available area with a storage cabinet, flea market find, or Hobby Lobby nic nac. Decluttering and creating free space make your rooms look peaceful and more significant. When decorating, review each item and decide if it still has use or brings you joy; if an object is yes, keep it and try to use it in another room. If it does not, consider donating or selling if it no longer works in your style. A well-chosen few pieces frees up your mind and your home to look great.

5. Layer Your Lighting

Lighting can completely transform a room. To create a balanced, well-lit environment, incorporate three types of lighting: ambient (overhead or recessed lighting), task (focused light for specific areas like reading or cooking), and accent (to highlight artwork or architectural features). Using a mix of lighting types will add warmth and dimension to any room. A great example is a living room; the ambient light comes from your windows, can lights in the ceiling, or chandelier; the task lighting is the tabletop or corner lamps; and accent light is a wall scone, art light, or book lights.

6. Mix and Match Furniture

As I said earlier, don’t feel the need to buy an entire matching sets from a box store. When you pull from a few different styles, each piece adds character to the room. For example, pairing a neutral sofa with brightly patterned chairs or a reclaimed wood dining table with upholstered chairs creates visual interest and avoids the showroom look. I love finding interesting pieces from vintage or salvage stores, each with a unique look and sometimes a fun history!

7. Paint a Colorful Front Door

Your front door is the first thing guests see, so why not make it spectacular. Painting your front door a bold color boosts your curb appeal and sets the tone for your home's interior design. Select a color that enhances your home's exterior design and creates a welcoming atmosphere. A helpful hint is that most homes are designed in neutral colors like white or gray, so any color you choose will look good.

8. Scale Artwork to Fit Your Wall

One of the most common mistakes in home decor is choosing artwork that's too small for the space. In my 15 years at Haven America, I have never had a client return to me and say, "I wish I ordered the item smaller." Everyone needs to go bigger to show off that focal point. On more enormous walls, opt for oversized pieces that make a statement. An affordable option is to create a gallery wall using a collection of framed and unframed artwork. Generally, artwork should cover two-thirds to three-quarters of the available wall space to ensure it feels proportional. When hanging over dressers or buffets, the focal point of your art should be 60" off the floor for the appropriate eye-level viewing when standing. There should be 4-6" from the top of your dresser to the bottom of your artwork when hanging large art, do not hang your art too high.

9. Use Mirrors Strategically

Mirrors open up all spaces. They can make small rooms look larger and brighten dark areas by reflecting light. Notice how elevators have mirrors lining all walls to feel less claustrophobic. Try hanging mirrors opposite windows to maximize natural light or in corners over fireplaces to make a room feel more expansive. 

DIY Home Decor Advice

If you're hands-on, these DIY tips will help you create a beautiful, affordable space. Whether you want to add style or functionality to your space, these ideas will get you started.

1. Add a Rug

A well-placed rug can ground a room, add warmth, and reduce echo. The carpet absorbs sound, making any room cozy and quiet. Make sure your rug is large enough for your space. When it's the right size, your rug will sit just under the front feet of all your furniture. So, in the living room, an 8x10 rug should have the front legs of the sofa placed at least 3" on the carpet. Your accent chairs should sit about 6" on the 8' side of the rug. This helps define the space and keeps your furniture from floating away or swallowing the carpet where it is not even seen. 

2. Paint Walls in Light and Neutral Colors

 Paint the room the color you want and love. Light and neutral wall colors can make a room feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. Opt for shades of white, taupe, or even soft pastels. Neutral colors provide a versatile backdrop for more vibrant accents, like colorful pillows, artwork, or furniture. Lastly, though, there has been a shift to dark pallets like forest green or charcoal black for a dramatic and sophisticated moody atmosphere. 

3. Set the Tone at the Front Door

Just as with painting the room the color you want, painting your front door bright or adding fun decor like wreaths, lights, or outdoor signs can instantly set the tone for your home. First impressions matter, so make sure your entryway feels welcoming and reflects your style. Hide the clutter of shoes and coats in covered storage furniture pieces. 

4. Use Visual Tricks to Raise the Ceiling

Consider hanging curtains higher than the window frame to make your room feel taller. Installing floor-to-ceiling curtains or using vertical stripes on the walls can also give the illusion of more height and make the space feel grander.

Common DIY Decorating Questions

How Do I Style a Bookcase?

Style a bookcase by grouping items in odd numbers (3 or 5) and balancing decorative objects with books. Consider adding personal items, such as photographs or small plants, to create a more curated shelf feel.

How Do I Choose the Right Rug Size?

To choose the right rug size, make sure it’s large enough to touch the furniture in the room. For living rooms, aim for a rug that covers the area in front of the sofa, with at least the front legs resting on it. Choose a rug large enough to fit under the dining table and chairs in dining rooms. Leaving a little space around the dining room 1-2 feet from all walls is perfect. The living room should be large enough to fit your seating area; if you have multiple seating areas, choose a rug for each location.

How Do I Style My Fireplace Without It Looking Too Cluttered?

When styling a fireplace, it's important not to overcrowd the mantle with too many small items. Instead, focus on a few larger pieces or a statement artwork. If you have a TV mounted above the fireplace, consider creating balance with symmetry by placing matching vases or lanterns on either side. Adding some greenery garland with lights will liven it during the holidays.

Is Wallpaper Going Out of Style?

Never! Wallpaper remains a popular choice, particularly for feature walls. Today's modern wallpaper options, like peel-and-stick varieties, are often easier to apply and remove. Just be sure to select a timeless design that complements your overall home decor.

Can I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?

Yes! Painting kitchen cabinets can be a cost-effective way to update the space. Properly prep the cabinets by cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting. Using high-quality paint will ensure a durable finish. I love using decorative handles to give the cabinets a completely different personality. Consider oversized modern brass handles for a great industrial look or a colorful ceramic handle for a cozy cottage look. 

Conclusion & FAQ

Our Conclusion

Decorating your home should reflect your personality and style. By following these simple home decor tips—such as mixing and matching textures, lighting, and colors, along with adding personal touches—you can create a cohesive and welcoming space.

FAQ About DIY Home Decor

• What’s the best way to start decorating a new home?
  Start with a clean slate, declutter, and focus on creating a cohesive color palette. Don’t rush the process—let your style evolve as you find the right pieces.

• How can I make a small room look bigger?
  Use light-colored walls, mirrors, and furniture scaled appropriately for the space. Keep it uncluttered to give the illusion of more space.

• Can I mix different decorating styles?
  Yes! You can combine modern and rustic styles as long as you maintain a cohesive color palette and use standard textures or materials.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, functional home that you’ll love for years to come. Happy decorating!

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