Achieve Designer-Approved Home Decor With These 8 Tips

I am always on the lookout for tips on how to design my home like an interior designer would.So I loved this video from Kristen McGowan on exactly that.


In this video on how to decorate like a pro, Kristen shares her top eight home decor styling tips to help anyone create a beautiful home. These tips include simple tricks and rules used by interior designers and home decorators to achieve a perfect-looking room every time.


Whether you're looking to redecorate or needs help getting started, this guide is ideal. You can see the video and main points summarise below, as well as some suggestions and recommendations for applying these hacks to your home:

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1. Pillows

Pillows are the easiest and most affordable way to elevate a space. Opting for pillow inserts and interchangeable covers allows one to match the decor or the season effortlessly.


When styling, using groups of three in different sizes and textures creates a dynamic look. Mixing textures and patterns results in a layered, well-designed appearance. The "karate chop" technique gives pillows a plush, professional look.

Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert (Pack of 2, White)

MIULEE 12x20 Pillow Inserts Set of 2

Round Throw Pillow

Sioloc Soft Knot Ball Pillow

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2. Grouping

Styling in groups of three creates a balanced and dynamic look. Using items of different scales (large, medium, small) forms visually appealing triangular arrangements.

This technique works for pillows, coffee table decor, mantle decor, and shelf decor, ensuring a cohesive and intentional design.

3. Wall Decor

Hanging wall art at 57 inches, the average human eye height, ensures it’s at a natural viewing level.

For gallery walls, starting at this midpoint and building outwards prevents art from looking disconnected from furniture and decor, creating a harmonious space.

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4. Patterns

When working with patterns, considering scale and type is crucial.

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Combining one large-scale pattern with two smaller-scale patterns avoids visual clutter. Mixing geometric patterns with florals or solids allows each element to shine without competing.

Focusing on size and type achieves a balanced, textured look.

5. Balance

Balance and symmetry are key to a calm, cohesive room. Distributing elements evenly throughout the space, whether it's furniture, art, lighting, or plants, prevents one side of the room from feeling heavier or more decorated than the other, creating a harmonious environment.

6. Scale

Appropriate scale is crucial for a well-designed space. Choosing furniture, artwork, and decor that fit a room's dimensions avoids awkward and unbalanced looks. Properly scaled pieces anchor the room and enhance its overall appearance.

7. Color

Using color thoughtfully creates either a bold or subtle look. Monochromatic schemes with varying shades of a single color or pops of color against a neutral palette add depth and interest.

Complementary colors, such as navy and neutrals, work well together and create a cohesive design. Distributing color evenly throughout the room maintains balance.

8. Cohesiveness

Achieving a cohesive home means working within a consistent color palette and style. Ensuring that connected spaces like the living room, dining room, kitchen, hallway, and entryway flow together is essential. Bedrooms can have their unique design since they are more private. Consistency in color and texture throughout the home creates a unified and balanced look.

Final Thoughts

Trying these tips in any space will result in a beautiful transformation. Interior design has its formulas, but it's also about having fun and expressing personal style.


So, please share your favorite tips, plans for implementation, or additional design hacks in the comments.

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  • Jan104999521 Jan104999521 on Aug 03, 2024
    Agreed! Quit "karate chopping" the pillows.
  • Jjf105683710 Jjf105683710 on Aug 03, 2024
    I literally hate the "chopping of the pillows". It just reminds me of a bunch of rabbit ears everywhere, everything an exact duplicate. I would rather have no pillows at all than these stupid rabbit ear looking blobs.
    • Pet107572990 Pet107572990 on Aug 29, 2024
      I agree on the "pillow chopping" It does make me LOL that it looks like rabbit ears. I will never be able to look at another realtor's open house without laughing. Thank you for making my day!
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