7 DECORATING RULES YOU SHOULD NEVER BREAK | INTERIOR DESIGN BASICS

Summary

In this video, Kristen shares essential interior design rules to help you create the perfect home every time. She covers key tips on furniture sizing, including coffee tables, end tables, and nightstands, as well as design elements like accent colors, wall art placement, and curtain rod heights. Kristen emphasizes the importance of balance and proportion in every aspect of your space, from rug sizes to lighting choices. With practical advice on measurements and style, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home’s design with a cohesive and polished look.

Takeaways

• 😀 The height of your coffee table should align with the seat cushions of your sofa to create a balanced and cohesive look.
• 😀 The ideal length of your coffee table is about 35% the length of your sofa for a well-proportioned space.
• 😀 When decorating with an accent color, use different shades of that color to add depth and complexity to your design.
• 😀 Wall art should be hung with the center of the piece at 57 to 60 inches from the floor to maintain a comfortable and integrated look.
• 😀 Trim and baseboards should always contrast with your walls, either in color or sheen, to enhance the detail and prevent a flat look.
• 😀 Curtain rods should be placed at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame to visually expand the room and create a grand look.
• 😀 End tables should be 1 to 2 inches lower than your sofa armrests to ensure a natural and balanced look in your living room.
• 😀 Nightstands should align with the top of your mattress for a classic, well-proportioned bedroom design.
• 😀 Rug sizes should extend at least 12 to 18 inches from the bed to help anchor the furniture and create a cohesive look.
• 😀 Layering rugs or adding a contrasting natural fiber rug can help enlarge the look of a smaller rug in your space.
• 😀 Incorporate multiple light sources—ambient, accent, and task lighting—to create a layered and functional lighting design in your home.

Q & A

What is the recommended height for a coffee table in relation to a sofa?

The height of your coffee table should typically line up with the height of the seat cushion on your sofa. If your sofa sits low, your coffee table should also be low to create balance.

How can you make a coffee table look larger if it's too small for the space?

You can make a coffee table look larger by either doubling up on the same coffee table and placing two side by side, or by adding multiple round end tables to create a layered, nested look.

What is the ideal length of a coffee table in relation to the sofa?

A coffee table should be approximately 35% of the length of your sofa, and it should be slightly smaller than the sofa to create a balanced look.

What should you consider when decorating with an accent color in your home?

When decorating with an accent color, make sure to use multiple shades of that color. Incorporating deeper tones and lighter shades will add complexity and depth to your space, avoiding a flat look.

What is the proper height to hang wall art?

The center of your wall art should be hung 57 to 60 inches off the floor. This height is ideal for eyeline comfort and ensures the art integrates well with your furniture.

How should trim work with walls to avoid a flat look?

Your trim, which includes baseboards, doors, and window frames, should always contrast with the walls either by color or sheen. If using the same color, make sure the trim has a glossier finish than the walls.

What is the correct height to hang a curtain rod?

The curtain rod should be hung at least 4 to 6 inches above your window frame to avoid shrinking the size of the window and room. If possible, bringing the rod up to the ceiling can further open up the space.

What is the ideal height for end tables in relation to a sofa or accent chairs?

End tables in your living room should be 1 to 2 inches lower than the armrest of your sofa or accent chairs. This ensures the tables are functional and proportionate to the furniture.

What is the correct size for nightstands in relation to the bed?

Nightstands should be aligned with the height of your mattress. For a double bed, the nightstand should be between 17 and 20 inches wide; for a queen bed, 21 to 30 inches; and for a king bed, 31 inches or more.

How should you choose the right rug size for a bedroom?

Make sure your rug extends at least 12 to 18 inches off of your bed on all sides. A 6x9 rug works for a double bed, 8x10 for a queen, and 9x12 or 10x14 for a king-sized bed. Layering a larger rug underneath can create a more expansive look.