7 Things (Almost) Every Room in Your Home Needs

When it comes to decorating your home, the beauty is in the details. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to interior design or decorating, and part of the fun is making a space uniquely yours. However, no matter what your style is, there are a few key elements that can take any room from “just functional” to beautiful! So whether you’re tackling a single room or redesigning your entire home, here are 7 things (almost) every room in your home needs. 

If you’re looking for help redesigning or decorating your home, we’re here to help! We are both home decorating specialists and professional organizing experts- for us, beauty and function go hand in hand.

We understand that it can be a daunting task to choose new pieces and feel confident that they’ll work with your current space. Our design consultations will help you discover your personal style and style aspirations, and we’ll use these findings to decide what’s right for your home and unique lifestyle. Check out our services here and contact us for a free consultation.

1. A Properly Sized Rug

One of the most common mistakes in decorating is choosing a rug that’s too small for the space (or no rug at all!). Think of a rug as the room’s foundation- a small rug can make a room feel disconnected and disjointed, while a properly-sized rug can bring everything together, making a room feel cozy, warm, and well-proportioned. A rug helps define the space, adds color, and serves as the foundation for your furniture layout. 

When choosing a rug, take note of your furniture placement. For living rooms, allow for at least the front legs of sofas and chairs to rest on it. For bedrooms, place one end 6 inches from the nightstands, while the other end extends about a foot or two from the bed frame. Getting the right size makes all the difference in establishing balance and flow in a room. If you can’t decide, bigger is better.

There’s also the age old question of putting a rug on a carpeted floor- if the rug’s design will amplify the existing furnishings and decor, we say go for it! In this case, find a low pile or woven rug rather than a shag or high pile.

2. Moody Lighting

Lighting is one of those design elements that’s often overlooked but can completely change the mood of a room. A warm, well-lit space feels welcoming and relaxing. On the other hand, overhead lighting can be cold and flat, making it feel sterile and uninviting like a hospital or office. Instead, mix things up by adding layers of light: table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and even task lighting. These different types of light create a warm, inviting atmosphere and eliminate the need for blinding overhead lights. We also recommend choosing warm light bulbs within the 27,000-35,000 Kelvin range for the best result (cool-toned lighting only belongs in the garage). Check out Lighting Design Studio’s picture below, which demonstrates the look of different light temperatures.

Aim for at least three two sources (other than overhead lighting) to create variety, depth, and ambiance. The result is a space that feels just right, no matter the time of day or amount of sunshine coming in.

3. Wall Art

A room without wall art can feel incomplete or empty. Whether it’s a large statement piece, a gallery wall, or a few smaller pieces, art brings personality and life to your walls. Art is an opportunity to express yourself. Don’t worry about it matching your throw pillows or your couch perfectly, more color is the goal! Choose pieces that speak to you- something that brings joy or sparks conversation.

Buying art can feel intimidating, but remember, the most important thing is that you love it. Art is about creating a personal connection to your space and making it truly yours. 

4. A Little Bit of Green (or Something Alive)

Every room can benefit from a touch of nature, whether it’s a fresh bouquet of flowers, a potted plant, or even art/decorative items featuring plants. Plants not only brighten up a room, but they also add life and texture. Whether you go for an easy-care succulent, a leafy fern, or a bold fiddle leaf fig, plants can breathe new life into any space.

And if you’re not quite ready to commit to a living plant, artificial plants and flowers can still add that much-needed organic element. The key is to keep it fresh and lively.

5. Different Textures

Texture is the secret ingredient to making a room feel warm, inviting, and multidimensional. When decorating, make sure to mix up the textures in your furniture, fabrics, and accessories. Think plush velvet throw pillows, woven baskets, sleek metal accents, and soft wool rugs. Combining different textures prevents a room from feeling flat or one-dimensional. It adds depth and interest to your space, making it feel layered and rich.

Textures also play a role in comfort. Imagine lounging on a soft sofa with a cozy knitted throw or sinking your feet into a plush rug. That tactile variety is what makes a room feel complete.

6. Personalization

One of the key components of a well-decorated room is that it feels personal. Personalization can be as simple as adding family photos, heirlooms, or sentimental items that hold meaning for you. These things help your home feel lived-in, comfortable, and uniquely yours.

Whether it’s a collection of books, your favorite throw blankets, or a few cherished mementos, incorporating personal touches adds warmth and character to your space. A room should tell your story and reflect who you are, so don’t be afraid to showcase those things that make you feel at home.

7. Functionality

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of design, but a beautifully decorated room isn’t worth much if it doesn’t work for your lifestyle. Functionality is key. Here’s some of our universal tips:

• Use separated “zones” in rooms with multiple purposes

• Allow enough clearance between furniture to comfortably move around (ex. coffee table, dining chairs, china cabinet)

• Think about your daily routines and functions to determine the most efficient layouts 

• Entryways are high-traffic for everyone- create “drop zones” such as hooks for bags and coats and baskets for shoes and on-the-go items

• Consider hidden storage and labels for lesser-used items to create a less-cluttered look and efficiency in finding things

• If you’re looking to make your home simpler, more efficient, and more functional, we offer professional organizing services, including decluttering and finding the perfect organizational containers for your home and lifestyle needs. Check out our services page and contact us for a free consultation.

Functionality goes hand-in-hand with comfort, so make sure your room is not only beautiful but also practical and easy to live in. You’ll be thankful for it in the long run!

When it comes down to it, interior design is about finding the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. By keeping these seven elements in mind- lighting, rugs, art, greenery, textures, personalization, and functionality -you’ll create a space that feels balanced, inviting, and truly reflective of your unique style. Whether you’re reimagining a single room or refreshing your entire home, these key elements will help you take your design to the next level.

And we’re here to help! Whether you need help finding your personal style, making your home more cohesive, or know what you want and need to find the right pieces, we would love to help you love your home. Read more about our services here or contact us for a free consultation.