10 Decor Tricks Designers Swear By

Published on May 5, 2025

by Benny Goodwin

Ever wonder how interior designers make a space look polished, inviting, and effortlessly stylish? It’s not magic — it’s strategy. Designers rely on a few tried-and-true tricks that instantly elevate any room, no matter your budget or style.

Here are 10 insider decor tips you can use right now to refresh your home and bring it closer to magazine-worthy — without hiring a pro.

Design-Approved Tips That Make a Difference

These are the techniques designers return to again and again to create rooms that feel balanced, intentional, and beautiful:

1. Hang Curtains High and Wide

Mount your curtain rod close to the ceiling and extend it beyond the window frame. This draws the eye upward and makes windows look larger, adding height and drama to the room.

Choose floor-length curtains
Let panels just kiss the floor
Use light, flowing fabrics for airiness

2. Layer Lighting

One overhead fixture isn’t enough. Designers use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create mood and function.

Add table and floor lamps to soften corners
Use sconces or pendants for targeted light
Try dimmers to adjust intensity

3. Mix Textures for Depth

Even a monochromatic room can feel rich with the right mix of materials. Blend smooth and rough, shiny and matte to keep the eye engaged.

Combine linen, leather, wood, and wool
Add a woven basket or boucle throw
Layer different finishes for contrast

4. Float Furniture (Don’t Push It All to the Walls)

Pulling pieces slightly away from the wall makes a space feel bigger and more intentional. It also encourages better flow and conversation zones.

Use rugs to define floating layouts
Try a centered sofa or angled chair
Leave room to walk behind furniture

5. Style in Threes

Odd numbers, especially groupings of three, look more natural and visually pleasing. Use this trick for arranging decor on shelves, coffee tables, or nightstands.

Vary the height and texture of items
Combine objects like books, vases, and candles
Leave some breathing room between groupings

6. Use Oversized Art or Mirrors

Scale is everything. One large piece can anchor a wall far better than a dozen tiny frames. It creates focus and makes the room feel purposeful.

Try abstract canvases or bold photography
Mirrors reflect light and add dimension
Hang artwork at eye level for balance

7. Bring in Nature

Greenery breathes life into any room. Even a single plant can change the mood and purify the air.

Use low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos
Place greenery near windows or corners
Mix real and high-quality faux plants for ease

8. Let Rugs Define Zones

Rugs are more than decoration — they anchor furniture and clarify how a space is used.

Choose large rugs that extend under furniture
Use different rugs to define open layouts
Layer rugs for texture and flexibility

9. Use Color Intentionally

Color can be used to energize, calm, or define a space. Designers use it with purpose, not just preference.

Choose a main palette and 1–2 accents
Paint small rooms bold to add character
Echo accent colors in textiles and accessories

10. Personalize with Meaningful Objects

What truly makes a house feel like home are the personal touches. Display your story through thoughtful decor.

Frame travel photos or heirloom pieces
Include handmade or vintage items
Mix statement pieces with simple backdrops

Further Insights

Designers don’t rely on expensive furniture or trendy styles alone. Their real magic is in layering thoughtful choices that reflect the purpose and personality of each room. Many of these tricks can be implemented gradually and customized to fit any budget or home layout.

Try incorporating just one or two tips per room and see how it transforms the space. Small changes really do add up — especially when you think like a designer.

Additional Tips for DIY Decorators

Ready to bring these tricks home? Keep these extra tips in mind as you refine your space:

Keep a measuring tape handy when shopping for decor
Always test paint in natural and artificial light
Don’t rush — evolve your space over time
Snap photos of your room to gain perspective
Edit! Sometimes less truly is more

Takeaway

Great design isn’t about perfection — it’s about balance, intention, and flow. These 10 tricks give you a foundation to style like a pro while still reflecting your personality. Focus on the details that matter most to you and let your home tell your story.

Start small, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process. That’s the secret all designers know.