Home Décor Hacks

As you’re out there browsing, keep these tips in mind so your new look goes off without a hitch.

Mix patterns.

Interior designers use one rule of thumb when mixing patterns: Use one geometric print (think chevron), one natural print (like leaves or a floral) and one smallscale pattern (like tiny polka dots). Diversifying patterns this way brings balance, but be sure to keep the colors in the same palette to avoid looking chaotic.

Make a room

attractive and cozy. Pick up lots of decorative pillows. Just one or two makes a sofa look bare, but four or more makes it impossible not to sit down. Gold accents are huge right now, too, and just one or two can warm up a room instantly but keep it looking polished.

Mix seating, too.

Would you want six identical chairs in any other room of the house? Don’t do it to your dining room. Use bench seating or mixand-match chairs to liven it up.

Don’t stop at art.

The collage wall is an important ingredient in every home these days (thanks, Pinterest), but they fall flat when all of the components are flat, too. Art and photos are great, but intermingle some wood, metal or mirrors in there to add texture and visual interest.

Place mirrors thoughtfully.

Mirrors make rooms look bigger, but only when you set them up for success. Hang mirrors above end tables behind lamps or across the room facing a window to maximize their space-growing illusory powers.

Fill empty corners.

Put a little green in it. Or a big green? A potted plant is the perfect way to fill a sad corner up with life. Fiddle leaf fig trees are in every interior design photoshoot these days because they look good with any décor.

Mull it over.

Unfinished projects stink, sure, but you’ll waste money and time trying to furnish and decorate immediately. Accumulate accessories over time and consider big purchases carefully. Don’t buy anything just to fill a space unless you’ll be truly happy to live with it for a while.

BE CLEVER WITH COLOR.

Color pops and metallic accents are great, but if you’re finished purchasing and find you’re lacking in those departments, a little spray paint can help. Find a small vase or figurine and cover it with a strong hue or turn the legs of an end table metallic.