Quick Tips That Make a Big Difference: Easy Wins for Interior Design Struggles
Let’s start with a simple one: raise your curtain rods.
It’s such a tiny thing, but it instantly makes your windows (and your whole room) feel taller. Hang your rods just a few inches below the ceiling or crown molding instead of right above the window frame, and let those curtains flow all the way to the floor. It’s a game changer.
Sometimes, we just need a few quick wins. Not a full renovation. Not a Pinterest-perfect overhaul. Just small, simple changes that make your home feel better—cozier, prettier, more you. I love this kind of design. The kind where one tweak makes you smile every time you walk past it. So I’m sharing a few of my favorite easy, low-effort tips that can make a big difference, especially if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Another tip I swear by: layer your lighting. Overhead lights are often harsh and unflattering. Add in a few lamps—floor, table, or even plug-in sconces—and suddenly the room feels warm and inviting instead of stark and cold. Bonus points if the bulbs are warm white instead of cool white. Your eyes (and your mood) will thank you.
Art doesn’t have to be expensive or intimidating. Print something you love, frame a favorite photo, hang a piece your kid made. Art should make you feel something, not stress you out. And if you’re struggling with how high to hang it: the center of the piece should be around 57–60 inches from the floor. Think eye level—not ceiling level.
And lastly: bring in something alive.
A plant, a bowl of fresh fruit, a vase of clippings from your yard—anything. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that brings in a bit of life and movement. Even a sprig of eucalyptus in a little bud vase can make a space feel fresh and cared for.
Let’s talk rugs, because this is a big one. If your rug is too small, the whole room feels off. Make sure at least the front legs of your furniture are on the rug—especially in living rooms. It pulls everything together and grounds the space. And yes, even bedrooms and dining rooms need rugs. It adds that layer of softness and helps anchor the furniture visually.
The truth is, design isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels like you belong in it. You don’t need to gut your kitchen or buy all new furniture to love your home. Sometimes, the little things are the ones that matter most. So try one or two of these this week—and give yourself permission to enjoy your home exactly as it is, even while it’s evolving.