"We all know that one person whose home is always in impeccable order. Everything looks perfectly put together, from the accessories on their coffee table to the art on their walls—like their home is the set of a rom-com. They’re also likely the person you call when you’re trying to hang a gallery wall or style a bookshelf and it’s not looking quite right. In those moments, it might feel like some people just have the “touch,” and you’re not one of them. But in reality, all that separates our messy, imperfect (but just as loved) homes from theirs is a few simple habits that keep their spaces looking amazing. Here are 11 simple decorating tips for a beautiful home.
+ how I did Scotland in a week without losing my mind in the planning process
1. Declutter often
There’s nothing more stressful than trying to keep your life organized while coming home to a mess every day. You may think just shoving things into cabinets, closets, and drawers is good enough—out of sight, out of mind, right? But when your things don’t have a designated place, you’ll feel like you’re constantly chasing a level of organization that’s impossible to achieve. The first step is to declutter—and not just once a year. Regularly take stock of everything in your home and donate, sell, or recycle what you no longer use. Not only does this cut down on the amount of stuff you need to organize, but it also ensures you have enough space to give everything you own a proper home.
2. Group things in odd numbers
If you’ve ever tried to style a bookshelf, you know that simply throwing things on it is a recipe for disaster. No matter how cute your individual pieces are, they will always look scattered and out of place if there’s no method to the madness. Whenever you’re decorating, grouping things in odd numbers is one of the easiest ways to achieve a more balanced, visually appealing look. Whether we’re talking about bookshelves, coffee tables, or even furniture arrangements, odd-number groupings create a sense of balance and cohesion.
3. Don’t rely on overhead lighting
That cozy ambiance beautiful homes always have? I can guarantee it’s not coming from the overhead light. Setting the mood is an essential part of decorating, and the key is to layer your lighting—think lamps, sconces, and plenty of natural light. A variety of secondary light sources ensures you don’t have to rely on the harsh lighting your home came with.
4. Shop intentionally
Rushing the decorating process is a surefire way to end up tired of your home decor in just a few months. Impulse buys often lead to a home that isn’t a true reflection of your personal style but rather a collection of whatever was in stock and trendy at the moment. Slow decorating and shopping intentionally ensures you only bring in pieces you absolutely love. It’s an essential step in creating a home that truly feels like you.
5. Buy fresh flowers
If you need a quick fix to brighten up a room, flowers are always the answer. Having a fresh bouquet sitting out is a small but impactful detail that instantly elevates a space. You don’t even have to splurge here! Just grab some blooms from Trader Joe’s and arrange them in a vase. It’s an easy way to add life and charm to any room.
6. Use natural textures
Bringing the outdoors in is one of the easiest decorating tips to keep a home from feeling flat or lifeless. Incorporating natural materials like wood, rattan, and stone adds visual interest and depth. Whether it’s through furniture, textiles, or small decor accents, these elements help create a warm, well-styled space.
7. Keep it cozy
At the end of the day, even the most beautifully decorated home can feel sterile if it doesn’t feel lived in. Comfort matters just as much as aesthetics, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Light your candles (don’t save them for a “special occasion”), drape cozy blankets where people can actually use them, and prioritize decor that feels inviting rather than just stylish. Creating a welcoming atmosphere ensures that both you and your guests feel instantly at ease.
8. Don’t overdecorate
Stay with me, maximalists—this doesn’t mean you need to adopt a minimalist aesthetic. There’s no single rule for how much decor is too much, and it depends entirely on your personal style. But there’s still a fine line between thoughtfully styled and cluttered. Remember, not every surface in your home needs to be filled. Negative space is just as important as furniture and decor. If you feel like you might be overdecorating, try removing a few items from a room and see how it changes the overall feel.
9. Switch things up for the seasons
Subtle seasonal changes are an easy and budget-friendly way to refresh your decor. Now that it’s spring, swap out heavy winter throws and dark pillows for lighter linens. Cute tea towels and seasonal candles are also great ways to mix things up throughout the year. Not only does this make your home feel fresh and intentional, but it also shows guests just how much thought you put into your space.
10. Have a signature scent
You’ve heard of having a signature scent for yourself, but your home can have one, too. I’m sure your space already smells great, but taking it to the next level can make a huge difference. Whether it’s an essential oil diffuser, a wall plug-in, or a favorite candle, a consistent scent can make your home feel even more luxurious. Plus, certain scents can act as aromatherapy, helping to set a relaxing mood.
11. Showcase personal decor
One thing beautifully decorated homes have in common is that they always feel unique to the people living in them. They aren’t just recreations of Pinterest photos or showroom displays, but they reflect someone’s memories, personality, and style. Using sentimental items as decor is a way to not only showcase things you love but also create a home that feels authentic. Almost anything can act as decor when styled correctly: a family photo, a souvenir from a special trip, or even a favorite perfume in a beautiful bottle.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.