10 Home Styling Rules Only the Pros Know

Changing Out the Light Bulbs Is a Game Changer

Lighting can make a big difference in how your home looks, says Malka Helft, founder of Think Chic Interiors. “Don’t use bright white bulbs inside a house—it makes every room look like a basement,” Helft says. She recommends keeping the color temperature below 3000 Kelvin, and ensuring that all the bulbs in a room have the same temperature light bulb. “Having different temperatures for your light bulbs makes the room look off balanced.”

Want to give your lighting another quick-and-easy refresh? Helft suggests swapping out the lampshades to freshen your room without a big investment.

There Is a Perfect Number of Throw Pillows

You don’t want to be stingy with the extra cushions—but you also don’t want to make it impossible for people to sit on your sofa comfortably. “For most sofas, that’s three square pillows and two lumbar pillows—no more than that—and two square, two lumbar pillows for a smaller sofa,” Helft says.

Group Things in Odd Numbers

Asymmetry is more interesting visually, so keep that in mind as you’re arranging items in your home. “I love to keep collections grouped together, and when working with a smaller grouping, display them in odd numbers such as three or five pieces,” says Liz Goldberg, founder of Carolyn Leona Design

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Make Everyday Storage More Interesting and Attractive

A candy dish isn’t always just a candy dish. Placed in a guest bath, it can be a charming soap dish, Goldberg says. “Just because something is meant for a space, doesn’t mean that is where you have to style it.”

So get creative with the things you love, and find new places to enjoy them. A small vase can hold pens on your desk, or makeup brushes on your vanity. Pretty storage boxes or baskets make a great home for remotes and other coffee table clutter.

The Secret to a Revamped Kitchen? Cleaning the Grout

Who knew that just a little elbow grease could make your kitchen look restyled and renewed? Break out an old toothbrush and a DIY scrub of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and get the grout squeaky clean. “It brightens the room, and really refreshes the entire space,” Helft says.

Hang Your Art Lower Than You Expect

“As an art lover, I like to hang art lower, like an art gallery,” Goldberg says. “It’s the best way to view art and feels more sophisticated than hanging too high and having the piece floating in space.” If you’re looking for a number, consider between 55 and 57 inches from the floor as a good zone for the center of your artwork.

Arrange Your Throws Just So

A gorgeous throw blanket can add the right amount of cozy to your living room or bedroom. But you’ll want to keep it to just one throw, and place or fold it intentionally, Helft says. Extra throws can be rolled up and stashed in a pretty basket nearby for cozy movie nights (and a gorgeous additional styling moment).

Remove One Item After You’ve Styled the Room

“There is such a thing as over-accessorizing,” Helft says. “Everything you do should still just seem pleasing to the eye—if it looks too busy, it probably is.” So while maximalist design can be great as far as bold colors and a mix of patterns, Helft suggests avoiding too much stuff—and following the old Coco Chanel fashion styling maxim of taking off one item after you think you’re done.

Goldberg also says that too much can really be too much. “Blank space on a surface is good and should be embraced. Allow the special pieces and moments that create the vignettes of your home to breathe.”

Take Your Time Creating Your Look

Don’t take a desire to refresh your home as a license to pop over to your favorite store and buy up the accessory aisle. The best styling involves using items that have special meaning to you. “Building collections over time is a great way to always have items on hand to update and change the accessories to make the space feel refreshed,” Goldberg says.

She suggests choosing quality over quantity, and being very intentional and timeless in what you pick. “Buying quality pieces that will last through design changes is always best. It’s fun to look for quirky objects at antique or estate sales, as these are one-of-a-kind and typically better quality. It’s also fun to find objects that reflect your travels and hobbies or favorite memories. Your home should reflect the people that live in the home and bring them joy!”

Keep a Running List of What You Need for Your Home

If you’re searching for the perfect artwork for over the fireplace or the right-sized box to house your remotes, take measurements of the space and keep it with you, along with the list of what you need, Helft suggests. “That way, I’ll always know whether they’ll work when I’m buying things.” Another benefit? It can keep you from making impulse buys that you don’t need.