These are the simple, yet important, decor basics to know when setting up your home.
As an interior designer, I aspire for everyone to have a beautiful space to call their own. Here are some simple ways to get the high-end designer look without breaking the bank.
1. Get the Right Size Rug. If you don’t already have a rug in your living room, go run and buy one! Having a rug completely transforms a space with minimal effort and expense. When buying a rug, make sure you choose one that is the right size. One of the most common mistakes I see is a rug that is too small for the space. Ideally, all the furniture should be on the rug or at least the front legs of all the furniture should be on the rug. I usually end up going with either 8×10 or 9×12 rugs. There are lots of great rug deals out there. I personally have this one and it’s held up great and doesn’t show dirt.
2. Don’t Do Matching. When buying new furniture, avoid the impulse to buy matching sets of everything (dining room sets, bedroom sets, etc.) A well-designed space will generally have furniture that is pulled together from different sources. Sets look too matchy-matchy and generally make your home appear cheap-looking.
3. Reduce Clutter. Beautiful spaces and organized spaces go hand in hand. You can have the most stunning home but if it is always covered in stuff, it’s hard to see the beauty. I find that the best way to cut clutter is to spend some time organizing and making sure everything has a place. Throw out things you haven’t used in a while that are taking up valuable visual and physical space.
4. Ditch Builder-Grade Light Fixtures. Never underestimate what a new light fixture can do for a space. This is so important in terms of function and beauty. Having a dark room looks bad and also makes it hard to see. Your new fixtures don’t need to be expensive to get the job done. Even Ikea and Home Depot have great options.
5. Put Stuff on the Walls. Blank walls are a major pet peeve of mine. There are so many low-cost options that can give your space that wow factor. Think mirrors, family photos, gallery walls, and clocks. A low-cost way to print large photos/art is to print them on vinyl signs (the website I use is bestofsigns.com) and hang them with wooden photo hangers such as these wooden poster hangers. Here’s a wall clock that I absolutely adore.
6. Minimize Furniture. This is another design mistake I see all the time. Do you really need that armoire, dresser, and chest to store your socks? Sometimes, less is more and a well-designed, expensive-looking room will generally have less furniture.
7. Upgrade Your Hardware. This is a great way to upgrade your home without breaking the bank. Updating your cabinet hardware in your kitchen or on furniture can make a huge statement. Also, updating doorknobs can make a monumental change in your home’s aesthetic. Here, cylindrical knobs and modern pulls, are a couple of great options.
8. Hang Floor to Ceiling Curtains. Curtains are my absolute favorite when it comes to window treatments. To make them look even more amazing, hang them at ceiling height. This makes your ceilings look dramatically higher and takes a room from great to absolutely jaw-dropping. To get the look for an 8 foot ceiling, get 96” curtains.
Have any more low-cost yet high-impact ideas? Let us know in the comments below.
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AM says
Missing links for organization products?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi I emailed you the links 🙂
Dinah says
Thanks these are all great tips. Ahuva, what do you recommend in a dining/living room for sheer curtains if you have a crown molding
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Dinah! Thank you so much 🙂 If you have moldings, I would recommend hanging the rod right underneath.
rachel says
Love these tips!! Would you recommend any curtains online?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you Rachel! Here are the curtains I have hanging in my office right now. I am very happy with them, however, they are more light filtering than blackout.
Rochel says
about the curtains, how do you clean these? And do they go with all window sizes? What type of curtains would you put with them for privacy? I assume everyone can see in ?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
I emailed you 🙂
Sara says
I can curious about this as well. I would love an elegant curtain for my living room, but still some privacy.
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Sara! Emailed you
Sara says
Would love link for curtains please
Shulamit says
Hi Ahuva, I’m looking for the same. Would you be able to send me the link too please?
d says
Can you show a concept of the banner idea for a family photo? The banners that I see on the link provided are very commercial/business looking, but I would love an inexpensive yet cool concept to hang a large panoramic family photo on my entrance hallway wall.
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure! Shoot me an email at interiorsbyahuva@gmail.com and I’ll send you a picture of how I did it in my front entryway
Fraidy Jacobovits says
Can you send me a link to a more basic ivory sheer/soft/light filtering curtain for my dining room?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure! Here’s 2 options:
MIULEE Panels and H.VERSAILTEX Panels.
FJ says
Thanks a million. I appreciate it.
MW says
Thank you for providing links! Is there a difference between the two curtains?
MW
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Not much, they are definitely similar 🙂 They’re made from different fabrics and look slightly different. Just a matter of personal preference.
Rochel says
I meant this one. How do you clean these? Are these private, can ppl see in? Would this go on its own, or need something else to go in addition to something else?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Just emailed you back Rochel 🙂
Pen :) says
Hi Ahuva! I love this article! Thanks so much for all these awesome tips! Might you consider posting some links to light fixtures?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Pen, just emailed you 🙂
Shein says
Hi, I just came across this article now- would you be able ot send me some links as well? This article is so helpful 🙂
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Shein! Thank you so much! I sent you an email!
Baila says
Same here please
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Emailed you!
Y.K. says
wow love it! such inspiration, cant wait to put these ideas into effect into my own home!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thanks so much!
Shaindy Borenstein says
Awesome tips!! Do you do in home consultations? How do I set up an appointment?
Shaindy
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you Shaindy! Yes, I do consultations. I emailed you the info.
Rebecca says
Thanks for the tips
tg says
Thanks for these tips! you are actually amazing! truly an insparation
Ahuva Schmerhold says
thanks!
Ruchie says
Wow, great list! Thanks Ahuva. Love the rug and the price- is there any similar design in the same price range? Thanks!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Ruchie! Thank you 🙂 I emailed you
Sarah H says
Great helpful article!! Love all the tips! I gotta do the high up curtains!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you Sarah!
Debby Rubin says
Any ideas of where I can get such curtains online for an affordable price?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Debby. there are some links to curtains in the comments above.
Sara says
Could I put curtains on top of zebra blinds?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure, why not? I emailed you some sample photos.
Raizel says
Can you email me as well
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Just did 🙂
Gila says
Can you please email pictures of curtains on top of zebra shades tx
Tzippy Weiss says
JUst reading this thread and love the sheer curtain idea. I have zeebra shades (which is not working properly either way) would you be able to send me pix as well of curtains on top of zebra shades.
Thanks!!!
EK says
Love the tips! Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to more of your posts!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you!
Nechama says
Great ideas! Can you give some ideas for how to make old style built-in
dinette shelves look decent? I want to use it for miscellaneous items as well…
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Can you email me a picture?
RB says
@interiorsbyahuva, your designs are beautiful and refreshing! Thank you for sharing your tips! Am looking forward to future articles.
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you RB.
Devorah says
I love your ideas! Looking forward to seeing some more posts from you! My apartment opens to a large hallway that runs right to left and I’ve been struggling with how to decorate it without overdoing it so my entryway looks nice but not too busy. What do you recommend in general for entryways?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Devorah! Thank you! I generally do a big mirror with either a bench or a console table. Good luck!
rachel says
Awesome post and thanks so much for giving us so much more in the comments!!! Keep these types of posts coming!
Thank you BetweenCarpools!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you Rachel!
Goldie Mellman says
Hi, Where can i get good quality well priced roller shades? thank-you!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Goldie! Just emailed you some links.
Devorah says
Hi would you mind sending me a link to for roller shades
Thanks so much
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure! Just did 🙂
R says
Hi,
If you see this comment, can you please send me the links to roller shades?
Thanks.
Gitty says
Hi!
This post and comments are amazing!! I just want all the links lol!! Would love some specifically for the good quality roller shades and some light fixtures.
Thanks!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you so much Gitty! Just sent you a master list of links 🙂 Hope it helps!
CS says
Hi Ahuva, can you pls email me the master list of links as well. I am also interested in seeing the picture of your entry hallway. Loved this article and hope you do more!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thank you so much! I emailed you 🙂
Cm says
Hi can you pls send me links for the roller shades-
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure, just did 🙂
Esti says
Can you send it to me as well? I have a window that is placed too low down (bec it has a semi circle window on top) and I am having a hard time finding a shade that work.
Thank you!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Of course 🙂
IM says
thank you for the great tips! could you send me the links for the rug please?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure! I emailed you the links and I’ll also paste them here.
overstock.com, amazon, and amazon.
Chaya says
Hi was wondering what coloring rug you would recommend for a living room that has a blue velvet couch. No other color in the room.
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Chaya, I love blue and gray together so would definitely recommend a rug that is mostly gray, could have blue in it as well.
tsipora says
hi can you send attach a link for pinch pleat shears? (as pictured?)
Ahuva Schmerhold says
It’s actually a stock photo 🙂 but i sent you some links
Sarah says
Hi can you please send me links for sheers as well? Thank you
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Sure! Just did.
Shayna bialestock says
Hi. Can you please send me links as well. Thanks so much
Tova Feifer says
I ordered two navy blue velvet couches and I’m trying to coordinate a rug. My dining room (that is adjoining) has brown wood chairs with upholstery that has a pattern that has champagne and gold. Would that impact the color of the rug I get?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Tova! It’s hard to say without seeing the space but generally, if you have a dining/living room, you should try to coordinate the furniture. I would say try to get a rug with navy and champagne to pull the room together, I sent you a link.
Rivka says
THank you so much for this info!! Really great!! Can I ask you to send me the pics of the picture/poster idea you had? And Im looking for a light fixture for my front hallway with the rooms right next to it having the colors black, white, and gold, and the other room dark blue, brown, tan.. can you send some ideas? If possible. Thank you so much!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Thanks Rivka! Jut emailed you!
Bracha says
Can I get that pic too? I would also love the master list of links! So glad I can across this oldie but goodie!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Bracha! sent 🙂
Chana says
Hi Ahuva, thanks so much for this amazing post! Here I am a year later and wondering if I can get the master list too! Tysm!
Open Ceilings says
Have a nice day, an interesting idea from the table, but it would not hurt you to refresh the ceilings in this room to make the room brighter, if you are looking for something new for your interior lighting, I advise you to consider Open Ceilings .
Chani says
Hi,
I just moved and i am so excited that I found this post.
I want to put these curtains that you have pictured, in my dining room/living room.
where can I get them?
Thank You
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Chani! I emailed you some links.
RF says
Hi, Can any recommendations on how to make a dream playroom?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi! I definitely hope to do a post on this in the future!
RP says
Thanks for all tips! can you also sent me detailed links of all the above mentioned for curtains with privacy for dining room.
Ahuva Schmerhold says
emailed you 🙂
Rochel K says
Hi Ahuva
I love this article I keep going back to it for all your great links and ideas. Can you email me your master list of links as well as information regarding in home consultations? Thank you!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Rochel! Emailed you 🙂
Rochel says
Hi, can you send me a list of the curtains and good roller shades/zebra shades? Also a horizontal mirror for a dining room (above couch)? ANd what about a console table/bench for entry way? I have a calcutta floor?
rivky rose says
hi, can you send me link for pinch pleated sheers as well as roller shades?
thanks!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
HI Rivky! I emailed you
Rochel says
Hi,
I love that rug. Would it go with taupe couches?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
HI Rochel,
I emailed you 🙂
Shira says
Hi, If my couch goes almost all the way until the end of my living room, is it proper to put a rug underneath? In order for the front legs of the couch to be on the rug, it would mean that the rug has to start three inches away from the living room entrance. Is it okay to have a rug so close to the entrance of the room?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Shira 🙂 I emailed you!
Gila says
Can you please email picture of curtains aon top of zebra shades and the links thanx
Ahuva Schmerhold says
sent!
Bleemee says
Hello. What modern art wall decoration would you recommend to hang on the wall near a cream color velvet couch?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Bleemee,
It’s hard to say without seeing the space but for modern art work, I usually like etsy, target and wayfair.
Jen Eisenberger says
Where can I look for an affordable chandelier for my dining room? Room is about 20×13. No other lights in the room. How big do you think it should be?
Thanks!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Jen!
I like wayfair, ikea, home depot and build.com for affordable fixtures.
In terms of size, you should add the length and width of the room in feet and convert it to inches. In your case, the chandelier should be about 33 inches. Hope this helps!
Ricky says
Hi, was wondering what color rug would go in master bedroom with white furniture?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
It’s hard to say without seeing the space but since white is very neutral, you have a lot of options 🙂
Shira says
Hi! Would you be able to send me the picture/poster idea from best of signs and also master list of links? Hope I’m not asking for too much!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
sent!
H C says
Hi,
Love the article! Would you be able to send me some links for kitchen fixtures? Looking for something modern over my dinette.
Thanks!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi,
I emailed you 🙂
Raizy says
Thanks for so many great tips. I would love to get some links on fixtures/chandeliers for both modern kitchen and my 28×18 dining/living room. In the dining/living room there are spots over the living room area that form a v, and there is an option for a second fixture in the dining room aside from over the table. Would you recommend a same/ nothing/ or same but smaller fixture for that middle spot?
Chavi says
Hi- do you recommend sheers over white roller shades? Do you have a picture?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Chavi, you can definitely do sheers over roller shades if you you like the look. I emailed you a pic.
Tova Schloss says
Hi,
Thanks so much for this great article (and BCP for refeaturing it!). Could you please share the master links for curtains with me? I’m specifically looking for something that will allow in the natural sunlight but prevent people from seeing in. Also what would you recommend for windows that have radiators right below them?
Thank you
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Tova,
I emailed you!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
emailed you!
Rachel says
Hi Ahuva
Thank you for the great post! What can I do to update a kitchen and living room with the orangey maple cabinets and molding that were so popular at the beginning of the 2000’s. I’m looking for a paint color that would bring them more up to date. Tysm!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Rachel! I emailed you!
Leba says
Hi, thanks for this great post. I’d love the master list of links as well if you can email it to me. Thanks!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi leba! I emailed you!
Feigy Goldenberg says
Hi,
Thanks for so generously offering your advice here. Can you send me the master list of links too please?
Rivky says
Do you have links for nice rod like in the link with the sheer curtains that you posted 2 options? looking for my dining room window
Ahuva Schmerhold says
emailed you!
Rikki says
Hi. I love your ideas. Can you please send me links for roller shades and light fixtures? Thanks!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Emailed you!
Shana says
Hey, I see this was posted a while back…but relevant for me now.would love sheer curtains for my dining room, but don’t like the ones with the holes where you see the rod. Any options for that ,that you recommend? Would greatly appreciate. Want the rod as not visible as possible. Do people do those pleated curtains with those crazy pins these days? That’s the look I think I want, but without the hooks….thanks!!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi Shana! I emailed you some links
RS says
Hi! Would you please be able to send me the picture/poster idea from best of signs and also master list of links? Thanks!
SARA N says
Hi,
I just read all the post and am wondering if you can send me a link. I am looking for sheers, would prefer pinned. Is there anyway I can do it if I have mouldings.
Thank you
Ahuva Schmerhold says
I emailed you some links
Tee Gee says
Hi,
What cheap curtains would you recommend for master bedroom? it doesn’t have to be blackout. just for the decoration.. Thanks!
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Emailed you 🙂
Miriam says
Hi. I love your ideas. Can you please send me links for roller shades and light fixtures? Thanks a million…
M says
Hi, would like to have the master links too…
sl says
Hi can you please send me some links for light fixtures for the kitchen?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi I emailed you
EK says
Hi! I love your posts and I’m a regular follower of your blog. You’re so talented! I’m curious what you answered the commenter how to update the orange maple kitchen. Would you recommend cabinet refacing?
Ahuva Schmerhold says
Hi 🙂 Thanks for the kind words! I emailed you!
Batsheva G says
Hi, Thanks so much for this post.
Can you please send me links for affordable zebra shades and sheer curtains?
Also, if my Living room has wood flooring (brown) and I have a brown couch, what coloring should I go with an for an area rug.
Thanks.
RA says
Hi can you please send me some links for light fixtures and sheer curtains?
shoshana g littman says
Can you please send me all the links from the master list as I am redesigning different rooms in my house and could use ideas, especally, the sheer curtains, light fixtures, furniture..
Shay says
Hi,
Love this post! Learned so much from it.
Would love to see links for floor to ceiling sheer curtains for 10ft ceilings without a visible rod. And basic simple roller shades for large windows.
Thanks so much!
Surie L says
Hi! Great post! Can you send me a link for sheer curtains for 9 foot ceiling and for lighting options. Can’t wait to see more posts from you. Thanks!
Sara says
Hi, can I please have links for light fixtures for bedrooms and bathrooms?