Updating Your Home Tips: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

Decorating a living room isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about knowing the tricks designers use to make a space feel polished, cozy, and uniquely yours. Here are the best-kept home decor pro tips that take a room from “nice” to “wow.”

1. The Magic of the “Third Piece”

Ever feel like your sofa and rug look fine together, but something’s missing? That’s because you need a third texture or material to tie it all together.

• Example:
• Sofa (fabric) + Rug (jute) + Wooden coffee table (warmth) = Balanced.
• Leather sofa + Metal side table + Furry throw = Contrast that works.

Pro Tip: If your room feels flat, add something unexpected—a rattan basket, a ceramic vase, or a metallic lamp.

2. The “Eye-Level” Trick for Wall Decor

Art hung too high kills the vibe. The center of your artwork should be at eye level (about 57-60 inches from the floor).

• Gallery walls? Treat them as one large piece—keep the center at eye level.
• Over a sofa? Leave 6-12 inches between the top of the couch and the bottom of the frame.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to map out arrangements before hammering nails.

3. The “Two-Thirds Rule” for Coffee Tables

A coffee table that’s too big or small throws off the room.

• Ideal length: ~2/3 the length of your sofa.
• Ideal height: 1-2 inches lower than your sofa cushions.

Bonus Pro Tip: If your living room is small, try nested tables or an ottoman with a tray for flexibility.

4. The “Sneaky Contrast” Move for Neutrals

Neutral rooms can feel boring if everything’s the same tone.

• Mix warm neutrals (beige, cream, caramel) + cool neutrals (gray, white, taupe).
• Add black or dark brown (frames, legs, lamps) to ground the space.

Pro Tip: If your room feels “blah,” swap one light neutral for something deeper—like a charcoal throw instead of beige.

Big thanks to Collov Home Design (@collovhome) for the image

5. The “Odd Numbers” Trick for Styling

Groups of 3 or 5 look more natural than even numbers.

• Coffee table styling? Try:
• A stack of books + a small plant + a candle.
• A tray + a vase + a decorative box.
• Throw pillows? 3 on a sofa (one lumbar, two square) looks better than 2 or 4.

Pro Tip: Vary heights and shapes—a tall vase next to a low candle keeps the eye moving.

6. The “Lighting Triangle” for Perfect Ambiance

Overhead lighting alone = interrogation vibes.

• Place lamps in a triangle (e.g., one by the sofa, one by a chair, one in a corner).
• Mix shades (drum, taper, globe) for visual interest.

Pro Tip: Use bulbs with the same color temperature (all warm white or all cool) to avoid a disjointed look.

Big thank Photo by young Song on Unsplash

7. The “Secret” to Picking Throw Pillows

“Picking throw pillows” simply means choosing decorative pillows—those small, soft cushions people use to add comfort and style to furniture like couches, chairs, or beds.

Too many patterns = chaos. Too matchy = boring.

How to Pick the Perfect Throw Pillows for Your Space

Throw pillows might be small, but they pack a big punch when it comes to style and comfort. Whether you’re freshening up your living room, bedroom, or even a cozy reading nook, here’s how to pick the perfect ones:

1. Start with Your Color Palette 🎨

Choose pillows that either match or complement your room’s colors.

• Neutrals? Add a pop of color.
• Bold sofa? Tone it down with soft shades.
• Try a mix of solids and patterns to keep it interesting.

2. Play with Textures 🧵

Different fabrics bring different vibes.

• Velvet = cozy and luxurious
• Linen or cotton = light and casual
• Knits and faux fur = warm and comfy

Mixing textures adds depth without much effort.

3. Mind the Size and Shape 📏

Throw pillows aren’t one-size-fits-all.

• Standard square (18×18 or 20×20″) works on most sofas.
• Lumbars (rectangle pillows) are great for support and layering.
• Layer different sizes for a plush, designer look.

4. Odd Numbers Look Natural 🧮

When arranging pillows, odd numbers (like 3 or 5) often feel more relaxed and balanced than even numbers.

5. Swap with the Seasons 🍂☀️

Want an easy room refresh? Swap your throw pillow covers with the seasons:

• Light linens for summer
• Cozy wools or velvets for fall and winter

6. Have Fun with It 🎉

At the end of the day, throw pillows should make you smile. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, play with color, or try something new!

Pro Tip: If your sofa is patterned, go for solid pillows—and vice versa.

8. The “Shoe Test” for Rug Softness

Not sure if a rug is soft enough?

• Kick off your shoes and walk on it (if it’s scratchy barefoot, you’ll hate it long-term).
• Thickness matters:
• Low-pile = better for high-traffic areas.
• High-pile = cozy but harder to clean.

Pro Tip: Put a rug pad underneath—it adds cushion and prevents slipping.

9. The “Shelf Stagger” for Built-Ins & Bookcases

Straight rows of decor look stiff.

• Use the “step ladder” approach:
• Tall items on one side, medium in the middle, short on the other.
• Mix books (vertical + horizontal stacks), plants, and objects.

Pro Tip: Leave 30% empty space—clutter makes it feel messy, not curated.

10. The “One Step at a Time” Mindset

The best-designed rooms evolve.

• Start with essentials (sofa, rug, lighting).
• Live with the space before buying more.
• Swap out small things (pillows, art) instead of overhauling.

Pro Tip: Take photos of your room—sometimes you spot imbalances (like too much red on one side) that you miss in person.

Final Thought: Trust Your Gut

Rules are guides, not laws. If you love something, make it work. The best homes have personality—not perfection.

What’s your favorite decor hack? Share yours below! (Or just nod in agreement—I’ll never know.) 😉