When it comes to decorating your home, there really are no absolute rules. Decorating is a personal, creative process and what matters most is that your space makes you happy. Our core belief is simple: follow your instincts and choose what you love. That approach will lead you to a home you enjoy returning to every day.
If you’re unsure about your personal style, start by collecting inspiration. Browse magazines, websites, or social media and note what attracts you — colors, textures, furniture styles, or specific arrangements. Inspiration can come from unexpected places: a painting, a piece of jewelry, a patterned napkin, even packaging you find beautiful. Use that spark as a foundation for your design choices and build from there.
We didn’t come from formal design training. We learned by doing, renovating and decorating our home on a budget, and sharing the process as we went. That trial-and-error approach taught us a lot. We made mistakes, learned from them, and gained confidence and practical experience. If you’re working on a home without professional training, know that persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment will take you far.
One principle we always emphasize: don’t do something just because someone else says it’s right. Advice on paint colors, rug placement, or furniture choices should be a starting point — not a strict rule. Design is so subjective that multiple solutions can work equally well. Think about whether a suggestion truly fits your lifestyle and taste before committing. The best outcome comes from adapting ideas to your specific space and preferences.
That said, some decorating topics spark lively debate. Below are eight common dilemmas and our practical perspective on each. These are flexible guidelines meant to help you think through decisions, not rules to enforce rigidly.
Controversial Question #1: Can a living room rug be shorter than the sofa? Generally, we recommend a rug that extends a few inches beyond each side of the sofa so the furniture feels anchored. For smaller seating arrangements, a 5 x 8 rug often works well, while larger groupings — a sofa with a loveseat, multiple chairs, or a sectional — usually benefit from an 8 x 10 rug to define the area and ground the furniture. That said, exceptions exist. If a shorter rug visually balances your space and you like the look, it can absolutely work.
Controversial Question #2: Should large upholstered pieces be neutral or colorful? We typically recommend keeping major upholstery neutral and introducing color through accessories. Neutral sofas and chairs provide longevity and flexibility, while pillows, artwork, and rugs let you update the look affordably. A bold painting or a few vibrant cushions can transform a room without replacing large furniture. Still, a brightly colored or patterned sofa can be a beautiful, intentional statement if you love it — there’s room for both approaches depending on your taste and budget.
Controversial Question #3: Do all frames in a room need to match? Matching frames can create a cohesive, clean look, and we appreciate the simplicity of using one color frame throughout our home. However, mixed-frame displays can feel collected and personal, especially when different textures and finishes are combined thoughtfully. Choose the approach that complements your decor and the mood you want to create.
Controversial Question #4: Do all wood furnishings have to match? Absolutely not. Matching every wood tone can make a room feel flat and retail-like. Mixing wood finishes, textures, and tones introduces depth and visual interest. Layering materials intentionally — lighter woods with darker stains, painted pieces with natural wood — helps create a space that feels lived-in and unique.
Controversial Question #5: Should hardware and fixtures all match? They don’t have to. While matching finishes can be tidy and cohesive in small spaces, combining different metals can add character and depth. Thoughtful mixing — such as pairing antique brass with cooler silvery finishes — can elevate a design when balanced and intentional.
Controversial Question #6: Should all trim in a house be the same color? Consistent white trim can make a home feel bright, cohesive, and modern. At the same time, varied trim — such as dark wood moldings in select rooms — can emphasize architectural features and create dramatic character. Either approach works; choose what highlights your home’s strengths and reflects your style.
Controversial Question #7: Can you put an area rug over wall-to-wall carpet? Yes. An area rug layered on top of wall-to-wall carpet can help define a seating area and create visual interest. It’s a useful strategy when you want to anchor a floating furniture arrangement or introduce new texture and pattern without replacing existing flooring.
Controversial Question #8: Besides paint, what transforms a space most? Window treatments. Curtains and drapes can instantly make a room feel taller, more finished, and more architectural. Well-chosen window coverings frame views, control light, and add texture and softness, often delivering one of the most dramatic updates for the investment.
Ultimately, decorating is about choices that reflect your taste and lifestyle. Use these suggestions as helpful considerations rather than strict rules. What decorating conventions do you choose to follow — or happily ignore — in your home?