When it comes to decorating your home, there are no absolute rules. Decorating is a deeply personal process and what matters most is that you create a space that makes you happy. Our guiding principle has always been simple: do what you love. That often leads to a home that feels authentic and welcoming.
If you’re unsure what you love, gather inspiration from magazines, websites, favorite artworks, textiles, or even accessories like jewelry or stationery. A tiny pattern on a napkin, a vibrant piece of packaging, or a cherished painting can be the seed for a whole room palette and design direction.
We don’t have formal training in interior design or home improvement. We learned by doing—by renovating and decorating our house on a budget and sharing the process. Through trial and error we collected practical experience and developed a practical eye for what works. Those mistakes taught us more than any rulebook and help us empathize with others fixing up their homes with limited resources and a lot of determination.
One additional rule we insist on: don’t follow our advice blindly. When we recommend paint colors, rug sizes, or layout ideas, we offer them as starting points—not universal commandments. Design is subjective; there are many valid ways to solve the same decorating problem. Use advice as inspiration, try ideas that resonate, and discard the ones that don’t.
Controversial Question #1: Can a living room rug be shorter than the length of your sofa? Generally, we recommend a rug that extends a few inches beyond the sofa on each side so the seating arrangement feels grounded. In smaller rooms, a 5 x 8 rug can work for a sofa-and-chair combination, while larger seating setups often benefit from an 8 x 10 rug to define the area. That said, exceptions exist—shorter rugs can work beautifully depending on scale and layout. If you can, test a few rug sizes in your space to see what feels right.
Controversial Question #2: Should large upholstered pieces be neutral, or can bold colors and patterns work? Choosing neutral upholstery is a safe, flexible strategy because it allows you to change the room’s look with smaller, less expensive accessories like pillows, art, and throws. A neutral sofa with bold artwork and colorful pillows can refresh a room for a fraction of the cost of replacing a major piece. However, bold sofas and patterned chairs can be stunning and timeless when chosen thoughtfully. If a vivid piece genuinely excites you and fits your lifestyle, it can become the room’s focal point.
Controversial Question #3: Do all frames in a room have to match? Frames don’t have to match. Using the same color frame throughout a house can create cohesion and flexibility, but mixed frames can feel collected and personal. Choose what supports the mood you want—cohesive and calm, or eclectic and layered.
Controversial Question #4: Do all wood furnishings have to match? No. Uniform wood tones can make a room feel flat or overly coordinated. Mixing wood tones, finishes, and materials adds depth and character, creating a more interesting and lived-in look.
Controversial Question #5: Does hardware—faucets, knobs, fixtures—need to match? Matching hardware can look polished in small spaces, but mixing metals and finishes can create a curated, intentional look when done carefully. Combining brass, nickel, and black can add warmth and contrast; consistency is useful but not mandatory.
Controversial Question #6: Should all trim be the same color throughout a house? Consistent trim color, like crisp white, can keep a home feeling cohesive and current. On the other hand, varying trim treatments—dark wood in one room and white in another—can create distinct moods and emphasize architectural features. Both approaches are valid; choose what complements your home’s style.
Controversial Question #7: Can you put an area rug over wall-to-wall carpet? Absolutely. Area rugs layered over broadloom can define seating zones and add texture. A well-placed rug helps establish a distinct area in open or multi-purpose rooms, and it often brings more warmth and visual interest.
Controversial Question #8: Besides paint, what’s the easiest way to transform a room? Window treatments are one of the biggest and most dramatic changes you can make aside from paint. Curtains and drapery can make ceilings feel taller, windows more architectural, and the whole room more finished. Choosing the right length, fabric, and hardware transforms a space quickly and effectively.
Ultimately, decorating is about making choices that reflect your taste and life. There are plenty of useful guidelines, but the best rule is to follow what feels right to you. Which decorating rules do you break—and which do you follow without question?