Designer-Approved Decorating Tips That Actually Work
If decorating your home feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.
Creating a space that feels pulled together doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or second-guessing every decision. With a few foolproof decorating tips, you can create a home that feels welcoming, functional, and livable—not just “company ready,” but ready for everyday life. Start with these easy tips to simplify the process and bring confidence back into your design choices. And if you’re ready for personalized guidance, we’re here to help—explore our e-design packages linked below for expert support tailored to your home.
Don’t Skip the Window Treatments
Window treatments can truly dress up any space, and they don’t have to break the bank to make an impact. They add warmth, texture, and a sense of intention that helps a room feel complete rather than unfinished. I tend to gravitate toward velvet curtains because they’re soft, inviting, and practical—especially when you need to block out sunlight or add a little privacy. Choosing lighter colors keeps the space feeling bright and timeless while still adding that cozy layer every home needs. When hung properly, window treatments can even make your ceilings feel taller and your room feel more polished, making them one of the most foolproof upgrades you can make.
TIPS TO TRY:
Choose velvet or soft fabrics for warmth and light control
Stick to lighter, neutral tones for a timeless look
Hang curtains higher than the window to visually raise ceilings
👉 Shop OUR FAVORITE CURTAINS HERE
Let Your Kitchen Counter Stools Set the Tone
Your kitchen counter stools can set the tone for the entire space, acting as both a functional and design-forward element. Because they’re often one of the first things you notice in a kitchen, the style, material, and scale of your stools matter more than you might think. Whether your home leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, choosing counter stools that complement your overall design helps create a cohesive look. I always recommend prioritizing comfort and proportion—stools that are too bulky or too small can throw off the balance of the room. When selected thoughtfully, kitchen counter stools not only elevate your kitchen design but also create an inviting space where people naturally gather, making them a foolproof decorating choice.
TIPS TO TRY:
Match stools to the style and scale of your kitchen
Prioritize comfort for everyday use
Use materials and colors that complement your overall interior design
Create Intentional Spaces Everyone Will Love
The heart of any home is the spaces where your family and friends naturally gather, so it’s worth designing them with purpose. When creating intentional spaces, think beyond just aesthetics—focus on function, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere. Cozy seating, well-placed lighting, and thoughtful furniture arrangements make indoor spaces inviting and easy to live in. Don’t forget the outdoors: patios, porches, and decks can be styled with the same care to create functional areas where people want to linger. By considering both the look and the lifestyle of each space, you can design areas that feel warm, practical, and effortlessly inviting. These designer-approved tips help your home feel polished and lived-in at the same time—a foolproof approach to home decorating.
Indoor Spaces That Feel Cozy and Functional:
Use soft seating, layered lighting, and conversation-friendly furniture layouts
Add texture with rugs, throws, and pillows
Keep pathways clear for easy flow and function
Outdoor Areas That Invite Gathering:
Arrange seating in clusters for conversation and comfort
Incorporate weather-resistant fabrics and cozy touches
Use lighting, lanterns, and rugs to create a welcoming atmosphere
👉 Shop OUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR FURNITURE HERE
Choose Tile That’s Timeless, With a Twist
Tile is one of those elements that can make a big impact without overwhelming a space—but choosing the right style is key. When selecting tile for your home, aim for designs that are classic and timeless while still adding a touch of visual interest. Don’t be afraid to play with it: in my own home, we used the same tile in our bathroom and carried it onto our fireplace accent wall for a cohesive, elevated look. Repeating tile in unexpected places adds depth and personality without feeling trendy or temporary. Whether it’s a backsplash, floor, or statement wall, thoughtful tile choices bring texture, pattern, and a designer-approved polish to any room.
TIPS TO TRY:
Stick to classic, neutral tones for longevity
Carry the same tile into multiple areas for a cohesive look
Mix textures or patterns sparingly to add visual interest
👉 Shop OUR TILE SELECTIONS HERE
Layered Rugs for an Instant Design Upgrade
Layered rugs are a simple, affordable way to make a big impact in any room while instantly elevating the design. When done thoughtfully, they create a sense of depth and intentionality, making your space feel curated and well-styled rather than flat or unfinished. Mixing textures, patterns, or sizes adds visual interest and dimension without overwhelming the room, and it’s an easy way to introduce personality into your home. Layered rugs are also a great solution for refreshing a space without committing to a full remodel or major furniture changes. From living rooms to bedrooms, they help define zones, soften hard surfaces, and create a more comfortable, livable environment—all while remaining timeless and designer-approved.
TIPS TO TRY:
Mix patterns and textures to add depth and personality
Layer rugs to define seating areas, bedrooms, or entryways
Use a neutral base rug and layer a smaller patterned rug on top
👉 Shop OUR FAVORITE RUGS HERE
Add a Pop of Greenery
Every space benefits from a touch of greenery, whether it’s a faux tree, a vase of stems, or a few thoughtfully placed potted plants. Greenery instantly softens a room, adds color and texture, and helps a space feel more layered and intentional. It’s one of the most foolproof decorating tricks because it works in every room—from living areas and kitchens to bedrooms, entryways, and even outdoor patios. Faux plants are especially great for low-maintenance styling, offering the look of real greenery without the upkeep. Whether used to fill an empty corner, style a shelf, or add life to a tabletop, greenery is a simple detail that makes a noticeable impact and helps your home feel inviting, balanced, and well-designed.
TIPS TO TRY:
Add faux or low-maintenance plants for year-round greenery
Place plants at varying heights for interest
Use greenery to soften corners, shelves, or tables
👉 Shop OUR FAVORITE GREENERY HERE
Update Your Entryway Lighting
The right entryway lighting sets the tone for your entire home and creates a strong first impression for both you and your guests. Because the entryway is often the first space people experience, lighting plays a key role in how welcoming and well-designed your home feels from the moment you walk in. Updating your foyer fixtures is an easy way to add style, warmth, and visual interest without a major renovation. Whether it’s a bold chandelier, a sleek pendant, or layered wall sconces, thoughtful lighting instantly elevates the space and helps it feel polished and intentional. Beyond aesthetics, functional lighting ensures your entryway works well for everyday life—providing enough light for coming and going, while still setting the mood. It’s one of the simplest, most foolproof home design updates that delivers both style and function.
TIPS TO TRY:
Choose statement lighting that reflects your style
Layer overhead and accent lighting for warmth
Make sure lighting is functional for both day and night
👉 Shop OUR BEST SELLING PENDANT LIGHT HERE
Stylish Storage That Works
Baskets are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to reduce clutter while adding warmth, texture, and visual interest to your home. Whether styled on open shelves, tucked under tables, or used in entryways, baskets provide an easy solution for organizing everyday items without sacrificing style. When used thoughtfully, they help create a more intentional and polished look by giving everything a place to live. Baskets are especially useful in busy homes, offering functional storage for blankets, toys, magazines, or miscellaneous items while still contributing to the overall design of the space. This foolproof decorating trick blends function and style seamlessly, making it an easy upgrade that works in nearly every room.
TIPS TO TRY:
Use woven or neutral baskets to complement your décor
Group baskets by size or shape for a cohesive look
Store everyday items like blankets, toys, or magazines to reduce visual clutter
Layer baskets with decorative objects on shelves for added texture and interest
Decorating your home does NOT have to be overwhelming!
By focusing on intentional details—like timeless tile, layered rugs, cozy window treatments, functional furniture, and a pop of greenery—you can create spaces that are both beautiful and livable. These foolproof decorating tips help your home feel polished, inviting, and uniquely yours, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying everyday life. And if you want personalized guidance to bring your vision to life, our designer-approved e-design packages make it easy to create a home that reflects your style and fits your lifestyle. Explore our packages here to get started today.
Need Help Designing Your Home? That’s What We Do.
Your home should be a reflection of your lifestyle — stylish, comfortable, and full of intentional details that make every day feel elevated. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a few key spaces, these modern must-haves are the perfect foundation for creating a home you truly love. If you’re feeling inspired but not sure where to start, that’s where Porche & Co. comes in. With our Online Interior Design packages, we’ll create a customized plan that fits your style, budget, and space — all without you ever leaving home. Let’s turn your ideas into a space you’ll be proud to show off. Explore our e-design services here and let’s make your modern farmhouse dreams a reality.
At Porche & Co, we specialize in helping you design a home that works beautifully and feels like you. Through our virtual design services, we can guide you in choosing layouts, furniture, colors, and materials—even before your move-in date. Whether you need help with just one room or the entire house, we’re here to make your move a stylish, seamless experience.
👉 See our design services HERE.
If you need even more hand holding in designing the spaces within your home, we are HERE for you! Be sure to checkout our online interior design services. We have brought our renowned Modern Classic Porche & Co. design aesthetic into thousands of homes throughout the country through our virtual design services. Below are a few recent rooms we have designed. We would love to design yours today! Explore our online Design Studio here.
Be sure to “Follow Us” to stay up to date on everything Porche and Co. & The Porche Place!
**This Post Contains Affiliate Links**
Do you love what we did with this space? Do some rooms or spaces in your house need some designer help but you aren't sure how to get started?
Check out our various Packages through the link below & let's get started designing your dream room(s) today!
Follow these 3 easy steps to get started today:
1. Select the E-Design package from that best works for your design needs
2. Complete the short Client Design Questionnaire on each space
3. Sit back and watch your dream home come to life!
You will have direct access to your designer through messenger throughout the whole process.
Multiple revisions are included with each package to ensure you are completely happy with the end result!
