5 Pro Design Tips for the DIYer

If you’re redesigning your living space, you know that your options are endless. From color schematics to feng shui, there are myriad ways to set up your home. Below are five pro design tips to keep in mind.

Eye-level art. Do you want your walls to look like a gallery? Hang things gallery-style, at around 57 inches—the average eye level of most people.

Don’t crowd. From art to furniture to collectibles, people tend to overcrowd their spaces. Choose a centerpiece for your room (a bright couch or snazzy light fixture), and then build around it selectively. Invest more money in a few great pieces and give them breathing room.

Rug it right. Area rugs can be a great tool for tying your design scheme together; however, where you place the furniture in relation to the rug matters. The three best ways to do this are: all off, with your furniture bordering your rug (best for smaller area rugs); all on, with all legs and arms of your furniture on the rug; and front on, with the front legs of your furniture on the rug and the back legs off for a fluid look that can open up your space. Choose one of these options and stick to it.

Customize for your needs. Have an open corner of the kitchen? Don’t feel pressured to fill it up with kitchen kitsch. Add a cozy love seat for a reading nook, transform it into a mini at-home office, or set up a small play space for your kids. Feel free to think past typical room designations and create a space that best fits your needs.

Layer the light. Don’t stop at overhead lights. Adding many light options such as floor lamps, accent lights or recessed lighting can give you different options depending on mood, time of day and function.