As an interior design enthusiast, my home is more than just a place to live—it’s a reflection of my personality and a space for relaxation that constantly inspires me. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of rules that guide every design choice I make. These principles ensure my home will forever remain with a …
As an interior design enthusiast, my home is more than just a place to live—it’s a reflection of my personality and a space for relaxation that constantly inspires me. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of rules that guide every design choice I make. These principles ensure my home will forever remain with a purpose. I have found that when you don’t follow a set of rules within the home, things tend to get out of hand rather quickly. This specific list is purely a recommendation for anyone on the outside looking in, but I would of course encourage you to consider following these rules in an attempt to help transform your space into something extraordinary.
1. Style, Don’t Hoard
One of the biggest mistakes I tend to see people make is filling their home with items that don’t serve a purpose. I’ve learned that when you set some time aside and actually put thought into decorating your home, the space will always feels intentional. Every piece I bring in either has a story, a functional purpose, or a design element that enhances the overall look of my apartment.
Investing in high-quality staples like a durable sofa, an area rug, or even a coffee table forms the foundation of any well-designed room. Once those pieces are in place, I layer smaller decorative items that can be swapped seasonally, or as my tastes evolve.
Tip: Focus on pieces that you’ll love for years, and resist the urge to follow every trend blindly.
2. Embrace Color and Texture
I tend to bring this up often in my posts because of how important I found it to be since I started taking interior design seriously. Color and texture are the heart of personality in a home. I find great value in mixing different textured throw pillows, patterned rugs, and bold accent walls to create a space that feels dynamic.
When incorporating specific elements, I often start small: a throw on a neutral sofa, or accent chair, textured wall art (e.g., a canvas), or a patterned pillow set. Over time, these little accents can build a cohesive, visually appealing look.
3. Keep Surfaces Clean, Not Empty
Flat surfaces in a home—coffee tables, shelves, storage cabinets, countertops—are prime real estate for design expression. I’ve found that balance is key: surfaces should be styled thoughtfully but never cluttered. A few carefully chosen objects, a stack of decorative books, or a decorative vase can transform a plain surface into a stylish focal point.
Tip: Change up surface styling with the seasons—fresh flowers in spring, candles in winter, faux fall tree stems in autumn. This keeps your home feeling alive and dynamic year-round.
4. Design Around Comfort
Style means nothing if your home isn’t comfortable. I talk a bit about this in my “The Art of Layering: Bedding Inspiration for Comfort and Visual Appeal” article. Every piece of furniture in my home is selected not just for looks but for livability. A chair must invite you to sit. A sofa should make you want to stretch out. Even the best looking décor falls short if it doesn’t feel inviting.
Layering soft textiles, throws, and cushy pillows is a must. I also pay attention to ergonomic layouts that allow for easy movement and interaction in the space.
5. Let Natural Light Lead
Light can make, or break a room. I arrange my spaces to maximize sunlight, which highlights colors and key design details. Natural light makes rooms feel open and airy, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enhance a space without spending a fortune.
Even small adjustments, like changing curtains to lighter fabrics can dramatically improve natural light flow. I personally have 96″ Beige Blackout Curtains in multiple rooms throughout my apartment that are a big statement piece and have proven to better the light flow during the day.
Why These Rules Matter
At the end of the day, the rules I live by in my home are less about strict guidelines and more about creating a space that feels true to who I am. Every choice—whether it’s keeping things uncluttered, layering textures, or adding pieces that hold meaning—shapes the way I experience my surroundings. These habits remind me that a home isn’t just four walls; it’s the foundation of daily life, and when it reflects balance and care, everything else seems to flow a little easier.
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