So let’s talk about interior design for a sec. Not the fancy HGTV-level stuff with $20,000 couches and 9 foot chandeliers (unless that’s your thing, no judgement). I’m talking about real, livable spaces. Your bedroom, your living room, maybe your kitchen that you wish looked more like Pinterest and less like a leftover from the 90s.
Interior home design is kinda one of those things that seems easy but then suddenly you’re staring at 47 different shades of white paint and wondering why this is your life now. Been there.
Whether you just moved into a new place or you’re sick of how your house looks after 5+ years of “I’ll get to it later,” this article’s for you. And no, I’m not a designer. Just someone who’s made some mistakes and figured a few things out (and still learning tbh).
First Things First: What Even Is Interior Design?
So interior design isn’t just about making things “look nice” (even tho that’s part of it). It’s really about making your space work for you. It’s like, how do you want to feel when you’re at home? Relaxed? Inspired? Cozy? Motivated? Your design should help with that.
It’s kinda like creating a vibe. But also, you don’t want it to just be a vibe with no function. Like yeah, a neon sign that says “good vibes only” is cute but not if you can’t find a place to sit or nowhere to charge your phone.
Start With a Plan – Or At Least An Idea
Ok look, I’m not saying make a whole blueprint or moodboard unless you want to (but honestly moodboards help, I didn’t believe it at first either). But at least figure out the feel you’re going for.
Do you want minimal and clean? Or do you like stuff everywhere – like books, art, plants, cozy clutter? Do you want neutrals or colors? Mid-century modern, boho, farmhouse, scandi, whatever? Maybe a mix?
Start saving pics. Screenshot stuff you like on Instagram or Pinterest, or even pics of other people’s houses when you visit (ok maybe don’t be weird about that part lol).
Pick a Color Scheme (Before You Buy Random Stuff)
One of the most common mistakes – and yes I did this too – is buying a bunch of furniture or decor without any real plan and then realizing none of it matches. Suddenly your living room is beige, teal, rust orange and navy blue and nothing makes sense
Try to pick like 2-3 main colors, then maybe 1 or 2 accent colors. You don’t have to paint your walls crazy colors (unless you want to, obvs). But even in neutrals, there’s cool grays and warm grays, soft whites vs. bright whites, etc.
Once you pick your palette, decisions get easier. It’s like a guide.
Furniture: Big Decisions That Usually Hurt Your Wallet
Furniture shopping is… rough. It’s expensive. It takes forever to deliver. And sometimes what looks good online is not comfy IRL.
Here’s some things to think about:
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Size matters – don’t buy a giant couch for a tiny room. Or a tiny coffee table for a huge space. Measure stuff.
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Function over form – yeah that velvet chair is beautiful, but will anyone ever sit in it? If not, maybe skip.
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Mix textures – leather + wood + metal + fabric = cozy + interesting. All one material can feel flat.
And don’t buy everything new unless you have to. Thrift stores, FB marketplace, estate sales – some good stuff out there. Just avoid smelly couches lol.
Lighting Changes EVERYTHING
Lighting is one of the most underrated things in interior design. Like seriously, bad lighting can make a beautiful room feel like a hospital waiting area.
You want layers of light:
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Overhead (but not just one boring light fixture)
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Lamps (floor or table)
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Accent lighting (like under shelves, string lights, etc.)
Also don’t just rely on “cool white” LED bulbs. Go for warm light – it’s more chill, cozy, and easier on the eyes. Unless you’re lighting a surgery room, warm is better.
Wall Stuff: Paint, Art, Shelves, etc.
Walls are weird because they can either be boring or totally overwhelming. Find a balance.
Some options:
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Paint one wall a bold color (accent wall, yeah I said it)
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Add wallpaper (even peel & stick ones are a thing now)
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Hang art (it doesn’t have to be expensive or “deep,” even prints or random stuff you love works)
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Floating shelves for plants or books
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Mirrors – they reflect light and make rooms feel bigger
Biggest tip: Hang stuff at the right height. So many people hang art way too high. Eye level, not ceiling level!
Storage = Sanity
Nothing ruins a beautiful room like clutter all over the floor. Interior design = not just what’s on display, but also where the heck you put your stuff.
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Use baskets
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Buy furniture with hidden storage (like ottomans)
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Floating shelves or bookcases
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Hooks! Especially in entryways or bathrooms
And don’t try to organize before you declutter. Learn that one the hard way.
Plants Make Everything Better (Unless You Kill Them)
Plants bring LIFE to a space. Literally. Plus they add color, texture, and just good vibes. But if you’re like me and accidentally kill stuff, go easy at first.
Start with:
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Snake plant (can’t kill it if you tried)
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Pothos (grows like crazy)
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ZZ plant (very forgiving)
Or fake plants. No shame. Just get the good kind that don’t look plasticy and sad.
Make It Yours (Not Just Insta-Perfect)
You’re the one living there. Don’t design a space just for social media. Add stuff that makes you happy – photos, books, candles, your weird little rock collection, whatever.
Perfect isn’t the goal. Comfortable, personal, and YOU is the goal.
Mistakes I’ve Made (and You Might Too)
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Buying rugs too small (always size up)
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Not testing paint colors before committing (they look diff in real light)
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Hanging curtains too low (hang high and wide to make windows look bigger)
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Forgetting to mix textures
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Thinking everything has to match (it doesn’t – it just has to go together)
Final Thoughts
Interior design isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels good to be in. That’s it. Don’t stress about trends. Don’t break the bank trying to copy some influencer’s $12K living room.
Start small. Rearrange a few things. Add one new piece at a time. Over time, your space will come together. And yeah, you’ll probably change things again later. That’s normal. Our homes grow with us.
DISCLAIMER:
This is not professional advice, just my thoughts, experience, and stuff I’ve picked up along the way. I’m not an interior designer. I’m just a person who loves making spaces feel cozy and functional and slightly less chaotic. Always do your own research and talk to actual experts if you’re making big changes or spending big $$.