What’s the biggest interior design secret? That’s simple… the secret is that there are no design rules. In fact, anything goes, and you should always do what you love!
However, if you find decorating to be a bit overwhelming, these secrets from interior designers will help you create a beautiful space without effort!
Some of the best secrets aren’t really secrets at all. In fact, when it comes to the inner workings of the interior design world, you might find that rules are being broken all the time!
Without even realizing it, you’ve probably seen these interior decorating secrets used in every magazine and catalog. I’m breaking them down for you today!
Trends will come and go, but good classic interior design can last a lifetime. If you’re ready to think long term and design a space you’ll love for decades to come, keep reading.
10 Interior Design Secrets
Hey, I’m not an interior designer, and I’ve never claimed to be one! However, I love to follow them for inspiration and take note of the design elements they return to consistently.
Step inside our homes and get the tips and tricks that designers use all the time!
Moulding
Want your builder-grade home to feel more interesting? Want to add instant character to any space? Add moulding!
From simple board and batten to beadboard, moulding adds instant character. That’s the simple secret… when the bones of a room are good, the rest will fall into place with ease.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
Picture Frame Moulding
This spectacular version of wainscoting goes by a multitude of different names. Sometimes known as shadow box trim, box paneling, picture frame molding, shadow box molding or shadow box wainscoting… the names are endless, but the style is truly timeless. Read More
Upgraded Lighting
This is where a bigger investment up front will pay you back tenfold in the long run! While higher end lighting can be quite an investment, you’ll find that choosing pieces you truly love will help create a timeless look for decades to come.
Want a more affordable designer secret? Read our guide to light bulbs for insider info on the right bulbs for every space.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
Lighting Design Guide
If you’re building or renovating a home, the interior lighting design can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Even if you’re just making simple updates room by room, creating a whole house lighting plan can help you bring your vision to life. Read More
Be Cohesive with a Palette
You all know I love a good cream color paint. It’s easy to transition, but no matter what paint palette you choose, choose a color palette for your room to keep it consistent.
A good color story typically includes three colors through furniture, pillows, rugs, art and accessories. Limit your purchases to those colors and play with pattern and texture.
Of course you can use more (I never go beyond five), but you’ll find the best results for amateur decorators (like myself) by limiting to three. Our spa bath is a great example of this!
Paint Colors, Tutorials & Tips
Warm Whites
Cozy up your home with the prettiest warm whites on your walls, trim, furniture and more! These warm white paint colors are some of my very favorites. Read More
Paint Samples
Speaking of paint, don’t skip our guide to paint samples! These are key to getting your paint color choices right, each and every time.
Paint Colors, Tutorials & Tips
Paint Samples
Learn how to choose paint samples and where to buy them! Paint samples don’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are so many ways to get them – from Samplize peel and stick paint samples, to traditional paint swatches that you roll on in small sections. Read More
Choosing the Right Rug Size
Investing in a new rug is a big decision. Rugs are expensive and there are so many choices! Luckily, I’ve been down this road a time (or twenty) and I’m guiding you through this design process so you get the size right, every time.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
The Ultimate Rug Guide
Get the secrets to help make a rug purchase so easy! Find out how to narrow down your choices based on size, color, material and durability. This rug shopping guide makes the process simple and yes… even fun! Read More
Add Wallpaper
I know, I know. If you’ve ever moved into a dated house with wallpaper that harkens back to a decade gone by, you might be cringing at this tip.
However, you’ll find that interior designers adore a good wallpapered space – and it’s easy to see why. It adds instant charm and an elevated, customized look to any room of your home.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
Block Print Wallpaper
Block print wallpaper is the prettiest way to bring an organic yet modern statement into your home. It’s charming, worldly, and simple enough to grace any wall. Read More
Play with Scale
This one isn’t a secret so much as it is a trick of the trade. Learn about the scale of your furniture, accessories and even rugs, to help even the smallest room feel more grand.
Scale can be a bit challenging for those of us who are not interior designers. Start with the basics (in the living room it’s the sofa) and allow that to be your guide.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
How to Measure Furniture
Properly measuring furniture to get the scale correct can make or break the entire look and feel of your home. Learn how to measure furniture correctly, the first time, in this complete step by step furniture measuring guide. Read More
How to Hang Curtains
Want the look of expensive custom drapes, for so much less? I’ve got all the details to this incredible designer trick!
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
How to Hang Curtains
Get tips and tricks for hanging curtains to make them look like custom drapes without the expense. Learn how high to hang curtains, tips about curtain lengths, and so much more! Read More
Blend Old and New
Old or new, if it’s something you love, it will never go out of style. Incorporate family heirlooms, vintage or antique pieces you’re drawn to. It will instantly make your home feel warm, adding character and personality.
It takes a room from generic to interesting.
You don’t have to maintain a specific style period, but it is helpful to maintain a consistent color palette. It doesn’t have to match – in fact, it’s more interesting when it doesn’t!
Break away from a “set” of furniture and start collecting pieces you love, old and new. This can be a little scary at first, but you’ll be surprised of the depth it adds to your home. It’s a trick that interior designers have been using for decades!
Organization
Linen Cabinet
No built in linen closet in your home? No problem! You can buy, build or repurpose a piece of furniture to create a linen cabinet to stow away pillows, throws, blankets, towels and more to protect them from dust. Read More
Dining Table Size Guidelines
This is a subject that can be tricky! Don’t skip our guide so that you get it right the first time – learn from my mistakes and choose the perfect size of dining table.
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
Dining Table Size Guidelines
What are standard dining table dimensions? What is the best dining table height? Get the answers to these questions and more in this handy dining table size guide! Read More
Good Art Can be Found for FREE!
This is one of my favorite designer secrets, and in fact, you’ll see many of your favorite brands using free art from the public domain in their art lines.
This little secret is the best one to have in your back pocket for creating a home that is personalized to your tastes, and on a budget, too!
Design Guides, Decor & Tips
Free Art Sources
Did you know most paintings and prints from your favorite stores are actually public domain art? I’m sharing the best art sources that you can download for free. Read More
To put all of these elements together, use my trick of how to design a room when you’re not a designer.
Amazon Storefront
Follow my Amazon Storefront to find more holiday looks for less.
I love that you said that it is okay to not match everything exactly. There are so many people that match absolutely everything. That is a little bit too much for me. Frankly, I think that it looks kind of tacky. What do you think helps when you are trying to save money decorating?
I saw the the white pitcher at Target a few years back and immediately fell in love when I saw it. It’s SO beautiful with red roses in it!! So many lovely décor variations you can do with it!!!
I use it for flowers all the time, I love functional pieces that serve multiple purposes. It’s timeless!
I love your third piece of advice to add something organic to the room you are decorating. I definitely agree that when you add a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit to any room will be easy because, as you suggest, there is little maintenance or skills required! Plus, it will always add a pop of color to the room! Thanks for your insight!
Great tips, Julie. As always! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
I agree with you on not having items match. Having different pieces is great and fun to look for. I believe it takes more character and imagination to put different pieces together. Great post as usual Julie. I loved seeing that you like Ina Garten. I just posted a video of her on my blog this past week. Wonderful!
Thank you! She’s such an inspiration for casual gatherings!