8 design hacks the pros would approve of

CHANGE YOUR HEADBOARD

You don’t need to invest in a four-poster bed for drama in the bedroom. Pick up a headboard in the style you’re trying to achieve. Options run the gamut in everything from antique brass to upholstered. Whatever you choose will instantly become the focal point of your space.

GO SQUARE OR ROUND

Though rectangular styles tend to be the dining table go-to, a small space is instantly bigger with a square or circular table. They fit just as many chairs, but feel less looming in a room.

KEEP THE MISMATCHED FURNITURE

Your home doesn’t look like the inside of your favorite home décor catalog and that’s a good thing. Focus on adding pieces you really love, even if it’s a dresser that doesn’t quite fit in. A well-maintained mash-up of items looks eclectic and avoids feeling too matchy-matchy.

LAYER LIKE RUGS

That Persian hand-hooked wool rug costs as much as a month of rent, but it is completely irresistible. You can achieve the look of an oversized rug by layering smaller sizes together, say two 4’x’6 styles. If you’re feeling extra brave, mix different patterns and textures, just make sure they’re in the same color scheme.

HANG AN UNFRAMED MIRROR

Head to your local hardware store and ask for unframed mirrors. You’ll find them in small to oversized styles for the fraction of the price of a framed mirror. Hang it in any room that could use some lightening up.

SUPERSIZE YOUR PHOTOS

Before you invest in your favorite local artist, turn your own favorite photos into works of art. Pick a few favorite prints of family or vacation snaps and blow them up at a local photo or printing store. We love the look of a giant portrait behind a couch or a grid of large, personal prints down a hallway.

WHITE IT OUT

It’s amazing how many decorating problems can be fixed with a can of linen white paint. Use it on your walls, sure, but also look to floors (it’s great at covering wood) and furniture (it modernizes any style) when you need to freshen a palette.

RETHINK THE CLOSET

This is an especially great tip for small spaces: use your closet for something other than storage. Before you scoff, hear us out. It’s a great spot to turn into a mini workspace, craft station – you name it. Remove the door if you want it to feel like a part of the room.