Top 10 Home Decorating Strategies Used by Experts

Once you’ve settled on your style, it’s time to envision how it might come to life in your space—and with what you already own. Mood boards help you visualize and refine your design before making decisions.

Start by gathering inspiration from Pinterest, design magazines, and home decor brands, saving images that reflect your style. Digital tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop allow you to arrange these elements, add color swatches, and experiment with layouts, helping you identify patterns in your aesthetic.

Go the extra mile to identify unique art selections you want to see in your home and add them to your mood board. You can explore Minted’s wide variety of art to make this process easier. Once you’re sure of your collection, you don’t have to worry about sourcing anything!

Choosing colors isn’t just about picking favorites—it’s about creating balance. Different color combinations can dramatically change how a space feels:

• Complementary colors (blue and orange, red and green) create a bold contrast and make the space feel lively.
• Analogous colors (yellow and green, blue and teal) offer a seamless, natural transition between hues.
• Monochromatic schemes (varying shades of a single color) add depth and sophistication without overwhelming the space.

Art plays a major role in pulling these elements together. Instead of just matching colors to your furniture, think about how different shades interact. A warm-toned living room can feel more dynamic with a splash of cool blue in an art piece, while a neutral space can be energized with pops of contrasting colors.

The goal is to create a natural color flow throughout your home. If you're looking for inspiration on what colors to choose, our color theory guide walks you through these combinations in much more detail!

A well-styled coffee table or console does more than just hold your essentials—it adds character to your space. The trick experts use?

Grouping items in threes for a balanced, visually appealing arrangement. Try stacking a few art books, adding a candle, and finishing with a sculptural accent to create effortless charm. Playing with height and texture—like pairing a tall vase with shorter, chunky objects—adds depth and interest to your display.

Throw pillows and textiles are the easiest way to refresh a space, adding warmth, texture, and personality. The key to a well-layered look? Mixing patterns and textures with intention. Start with a cohesive color palette, then play with different scales—pairing a bold, oversized print with a more intricate pattern keeps things visually interesting without feeling overwhelming.

Texture is just as important as pattern. A mix of smooth silks, cozy linens, plush velvets, and crisp cotton brings depth and contrast, making a space feel inviting. You can also go a step further and experiment with embroidered fabrics to add more texture to your space.

Selecting the right wall art will help you define the entire room's mood. For example, textured paintings in muted tones in a formal living room can add sophistication without overpowering the space. If you prefer a more relaxed, collected look, a gallery wall with a mix of prints and photography can bring personality and movement. And if you're drawn to bold statements, a large-scale piece can instantly become the focal point, grounding the entire room.

Want a curated look without the hassle? Minted's wall art sets offer pre-selected collections that give you a cohesive art selection without much effort. If you’re looking for more direction with your wall art, we’ve got you covered with a guide to pick the right wall art for every room.

The right artwork can bring a room together, but if it’s the wrong size, it can throw off the entire balance. Here are some simple guidelines to get it just right:

• Artwork above furniture – A piece should be about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it (sofas, beds, consoles) for a well-proportioned look.
• Large empty walls – If one piece isn’t enough, try grouping multiple smaller pieces to create a cohesive arrangement.
• Three-eighths rule – Aim for artwork to take up about 57% of a wall’s width, leaving enough negative space for a clean, intentional look.
• Gallery walls – Mix sizes and orientations, but keep consistent spacing (2–4 inches apart) so the arrangement feels balanced rather than cluttered.
• Eye-level placement – For the best visual impact, the center of the artwork should be about 57 inches from the floor.

These aren’t rigid rules, but they offer a good starting point (we also share a bunch more tips for getting the proportions right in this article on choosing the right art size). If something feels off, step back and adjust until the space looks naturally balanced.

Wall art is a great addition to any space, but you don’t have to be limited to it. Bring more dimension into a room by adding mirrors, shelves, books, or decorative pieces on your walls.

Here are just a few simple tricks that the pros rely on:

• A bold mural or wallpaper can instantly brighten a space and add visual interest.
• Decorative panels introduce subtle dimensions to an otherwise flat room.
• Mirrors have been the secret weapon of interior decorators for ages! They reflect light and make a room feel bigger — instantly opening up the space.
• Floating shelves are perfect for displaying framed prints, sculptures, or treasured keepsakes in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered.

The idea is to mix different sizes and mediums—a framed print next to a canvas, maybe even a small textile piece or a sculptural object—to create a display that feels layered and collected over time. There’s no single “right” way to do it, but stepping back and playing with balance ensures everything feels cohesive rather than chaotic.

In any thoughtfully constructed home, you’ll find a mix of different light fixtures. Chandeliers add drama and elegance, sconces create subtle ambiance, and pendant lights offer intimate, focused illumination. Floor lamps? They’re the multitaskers of lighting, effortlessly filling dark corners or adding an extra layer of warmth.

Beyond the fixtures themselves, playing with light temperature is an easy way to shape the feel of a room. Warm lighting (soft white or amber tones) makes living spaces feel cozy and inviting, while cooler lighting (daylight tones) keeps workspaces feeling bright and focused.

At Minted, we offer a variety of functional and decorative light fixtures. Whether table lamps or handcrafted sconces, there is a light for every mood!

Your living room is more than just a space for lounging—it’s the centerpiece of your home, where comfort meets style. The key to a well-designed living room is balance: between function and aesthetics, structure and flow, bold statements and subtle details.

• Create a natural flow: Consider how people move through the space. Position seating to encourage conversation rather than just facing the TV. If the room has a natural focal point—a fireplace, an art piece, or a large window with a view—arrange furniture to highlight it.
• Anchor the space with a statement rug: A large rug that extends under all key furniture pieces makes the space feel warm and inviting.

A well-styled bedroom is more than aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels restful, functional, and inviting after a long day. Instead of overloading it with trends, focus on practical details that elevate comfort and style.

• Rethink your bed placement: While centering the bed against the main wall is common, it’s not always the best layout. Try positioning your bed against a window to create a soft, airy backdrop or floating it away from the wall in a large room for a more intentional design.
• Decorate your bed: The bed is naturally the room's focal point, so styling it is a no-brainer. While having a matching bed set is great, go the extra mile and use runners and decorative pillows to bring in a sense of luxury.

• Upgrade your nightstands: Think beyond basic bedside tables—a small desk, a vintage chest, or wall-mounted shelves can add function and character.
• Make use of the foot of the bed: Instead of leaving this space empty, add a bench, a pair of stools, or a low bookshelf to create a polished look.
• Create a dressing space: Even in small bedrooms, a designated area for getting ready adds a touch of luxury. A simple vanity with a stool, a floor mirror paired with a small side table, or a chic clothing rack can make your space feel intentional and functional.

The best bedrooms feel purposeful and personal—focus on a few thoughtful details that reflect your style while keeping the space functional and uncluttered.

For most homeowners, the kitchen is a tricky place to style. But you don’t have to forego style for functionality! Some simple upgrades will take your kitchen from boring to beautiful in no time.

• Rethink countertop decor: Instead of cluttering your counters with purely decorative objects, choose beautiful and useful items. A sleek knife block, a well-designed coffee station, or an oversized bowl for fresh produce can add warmth while staying practical.
• Upgrade everyday essentials: Small swaps make a big impact—brass or matte black hardware or linen dish towels instantly elevate the space without major renovations. A stylish utensil holder or cutting board display can add texture while keeping essentials within reach.
• Create a coffee or beverage Nook: Dedicate a small kitchen section to coffee, tea, or cocktail-making essentials. A tray with mugs, a French press, and a glass canister of beans can make morning routines feel intentional, while a built-in bar area stocked with glassware and mixers sets the stage for entertaining.
• Mix open and closed storage: Open shelving or glass-front cabinets allow you to display your favorite dishes, cookbooks, or art, while closed storage keeps the less attractive necessities out of sight.
• Incorporate art into unexpected places: Kitchens often get overlooked when it comes to artwork, but a print propped on a shelf, a small gallery wall, or a framed recipe from a family member can make the space feel more personal.

No dish is complete without mixing! Mixing photography, paintings, and prints allows each piece to bring something different to the table, whether it's color, texture, or mood. A sleek photograph next to a bold abstract painting or a hand-drawn sketch paired with a graphic print makes a space feel more collected and full of personality.

Instead of matching frames perfectly, try mixing matted prints with float-mounted canvases or even leaving some pieces unframed for a more relaxed look. The best spaces feel like a mix of different influences rather than a showroom, so go ahead and blend styles in a way that feels right to you.

There’s a reason kids are fascinated by shapes—there’s something instantly engaging about objects with curves, edges, and unexpected forms. That same intrigue applies to ceramics and sculptures in your home. Unlike flat artwork, these pieces add dimension and movement, pulling the eye in different directions and making a room feel more dynamic.

The trick is to mix heights and textures—a chunky stone sculpture next to a delicate bowl, or a sleek ceramic against a rougher material—to keep things visually interesting. And don’t just stick to shelves; place a bold vase as a dining table centerpiece, a sculptural piece on a stack of books. These pieces aren’t just accents; they make a space feel unexpected and full of character.

Small spaces aren’t limiting—they just require you to get creative! When every inch matters, thinking vertically is key.

Floating shelves, wall-mounted desks, and tall bookcases help free up floor space while adding visual appeal. While it might seem counterintuitive, larger pieces—like a statement art print —can make a small room feel more open by drawing the eye upward and creating a sense of expansion.

Think of art as a conversation with your space—it should feel proportionate, not like it’s getting lost or overpowering the room. For large walls, go bold with a statement piece or a balanced gallery wall. If you’re hanging art above furniture, keep it 5–7 inches above for a polished look. And here’s a quick trick: the center of your artwork should sit at about 57 inches from the floor for the best viewing experience.

Inspiration is everywhere! Start with Minted’s collection of art, where you can find fresh ideas for every style. Pinterest, design magazines, and even your favorite coffee shop can spark ideas, too. Save images that catch your eye and look for patterns—colors, textures, or moods you keep coming back to. That’s the foundation of your style.

Not at all! A perfect match can sometimes feel too safe. Instead, choose art that speaks to you—something that makes you pause, smile, or feel something. Contrast can make a room more interesting, so if a piece feels right to you, chances are it will find its place in your space beautifully.

Small spaces just require you to make creative and smart choices:

• Mirrors open up the room by bouncing light around.
• Multi-functional furniture (like a storage ottoman or wall-mounted desk) keeps things tidy.
• A few larger art pieces feel more intentional than lots of small ones.
• Vertical and elongated furniture like bookshelves or a decorative ladder draw the eyes up while making storage easy.

Let your artwork do the heavy lifting! Pull colors from your favorite piece and repeat them in throw pillows, rugs, or decorative accents. This simple trick ties everything together without feeling too matchy. It’s a foolproof way to make a space feel connected without overthinking it.

Think of your home like a great meal—it needs the right mix of flavors. If one element dominates, everything feels off. Balance comes from contrast and variety—pair sleek with textured, dark with light, and bold with neutral. Layer in warmth with rugs, art, or furniture with character. The key is mixing, not matching—when everything looks too coordinated, it can feel flat.

Style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Rearrange what you already have—sometimes, shifting furniture or swapping decor between rooms can make everything feel new. Thrift and DIY—secondhand finds, repurposed items, and a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. And never underestimate the power of art and textiles—affordable prints, stylish throw pillows, and layering rugs can instantly change a room’s vibe without draining your budget.

Do: Find a common thread—whether it’s a color palette, material, or era—to tie everything together.
Don’t: Go overboard with statement pieces. A mix of styles should feel blended, not like a competition.
Do: Play with contrast—modern with vintage, industrial with organic—just keep it balanced.
Don’t: Force things to match perfectly. Mixing styles works best when it looks effortless.

Art helps define different areas in an open space. Use large statement pieces to anchor key zones—one over the sofa, another above the dining table—to give each area its own identity. A cohesive color scheme across different artworks keeps things connected without feeling repetitive.

While there is no definite rule book for pairing frames with art, here are a few general ideas to guide you:

• Classic paintings & portraits: Ornate or vintage wood frames bring out their character.
• Minimalist prints & photography: Thin metal or simple black/white frames keep it sleek.
• Eclectic or mixed-media art: Float frames or natural wood let the artwork shine.
• Abstracts or bold modern pieces: Try a matless frame or a frameless canvas for a clean, contemporary look.