43 Easy and Chic Home Decorating Ideas from Designers

Restyling your home can be a creative and fulfilling process, especially when you have the right ideas to spark inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of French country decor or prefer a relaxed, modern farmhouse aesthetic, these easy and chic decorating ideas—straight from the pros—will help you breathe new life into your home. The best part? Many of these tips are budget-friendly, easy to DIY, and perfect for homes of any size.

From transforming awkward corners into cozy nooks to revamping entire rooms, these 65 decorating ideas will help you curate a space that’s both timeless and on-trend. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. Play with Lighting Shapes

Retro bathroom with bold blue tiles, wooden cabinetry, and a vintage red stool. A mix of mid-century design and vibrant colors creates a nostalgic yet stylish ambiance.

Lighting plays a crucial role in any design, but it’s not just about brightness—it’s an opportunity to make a statement. In a Texas home, playful geometric fixtures transformed a kid’s bathroom into a whimsical wonderland. Experiment with different lighting shapes to add a touch of fun to any space.

For more seasonal dining inspiration, check out these cozy fall dining room decor ideas.

2. Try Different Layouts

Modern dining room with a round wooden table, black leather chairs, and textured walls. Warm lighting and large windows create a natural ambiance.

Rethink your dining room layout to create versatile seating arrangements. Designer Michael Ellison’s dining room setup uses two smaller tables that can either stand alone for intimate meals or be combined for a dinner party. Don’t be afraid to experiment with movable pieces to suit both small gatherings and larger events.

3. Paint the Floors

Eclectic entryway with a bold red vintage mirror, a rustic wooden console table, and a patterned lamp. Bohemian decor elements add warmth and character.

While walls often steal the spotlight, don’t forget about your floors! A fresh coat of paint on hardwood floors can bring a whole new vibe to your space. In a North Carolina coastal home, the blue-painted floor enhances the serene beachy atmosphere.

4. Let Architectural Character Shine

Elegant bedroom with arched stained glass windows, a tufted bench, and a vintage wooden nightstand. Soft neutral tones and classic decor create a serene atmosphere.

If your home has unique architectural features—like the stunning 100-year-old stained-glass windows in this Kansas City home—let them be the focal point. Skip heavy drapery and embrace the natural beauty of these features.

5. Go Bold with Color

Charming farmhouse-style room with bright yellow walls, checkered black-and-white flooring, and decorative geese figurines on a vintage wooden table.

While neutrals like beige and gray are popular, don’t be afraid to embrace bold hues. This bright yellow mudroom, drenched in cheerful sunshine tones, brings energy into an otherwise functional space. Let color reflect your personality and create joy in unexpected places.

6. Layer Rugs for Extra Texture

Modern black-and-white bedroom with a canopy bed, sheer curtains, and stylish monochrome pillows. A cozy fur throw and cowhide rug add texture.

Layering rugs is a great way to add texture and warmth to a room. In the Hamptons home of Apartment Therapy’s founder, Maxwell Ryan, a layered rug look enhances the cozy yet refined atmosphere of the bedroom. Try mixing different textures and sizes to create depth and interest.

For more living room inspiration, explore these stunning living room ideas.

7. Turn Bookshelves into Gallery Walls

Luxurious home library with tufted white armchairs, a bold Marilyn Monroe pop art portrait, and black bookshelves filled with colorful books.

Your bookshelf can do more than just hold books. Designer Alex Hitz transformed his English-style library into a gallery by interspersing artwork between books. Create visual interest by offsetting your literary collection with framed photos, artwork, or decorative objects.

8. Add a Vibrant Carpet

Modern living room with a white sectional sofa, large black-framed windows, a bold pink rug, and woven basket planters for a fresh aesthetic.

If you have a neutral living room palette, a bold carpet can instantly uplift the space. In a home designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, a bright, graphic rug steals the spotlight amidst crisp white walls and neutral furniture.

9. Showcase Your Green Thumb

Elegant living room with classic blue and white furniture, luxurious drapery, and lush indoor plants, creating a timeless and refined ambiance.

Plants not only add life to a space, but they can also be statement pieces in your decor. Designer Elizabeth Cooper placed a lush citrus tree in the corner of this living room to bring nature indoors. Group smaller plants like topiaries to create a layered, botanical display.

10. Transform a Closet into a Bar Nook

Chic home bar with a mix of classic and modern decor, featuring a bold animal-print wallpaper, wicker seating, and a stylish mirror.

Short on space? Get creative with unused closets. In a Palm Beach home, designer John Fondas turned a shallow closet into a chic, space-saving bar with built-in shelves. Small spaces are often the perfect canvas for big ideas.

11. Place Flowers in Unexpected Spots

Elegant bathroom with floral wallpaper, a gold-framed mirror, blue fringe light fixture, and black marble countertop with a white sink.

Flowers can go beyond the dining table. In a New York apartment designed by Katie Ridder, fresh flowers in a globe-shaped vase on the bathroom counter create a charming, unexpected detail. Alternatively, try a low-maintenance plant if upkeep isn’t your thing.

12. Swap Out Art

Cozy bedroom with a plush bed featuring pink plaid pillows, soft bedding, and framed art on the walls. A warm ambiance created with bedside lamps and a cozy throw.

Rotate your artwork to keep your home feeling fresh. In this home by designer Jae Joo, tiny frames are swapped out regularly to refresh the gallery wall. Consider visiting a local flea market or flipping through coffee table books for new inspiration.

13. Add a Mirror for Extra Light

Cozy living room featuring a white sofa with a soft blanket and pillows, a gold-framed mirror, candles on the mantel, and greenery in a woven basket, creating a peaceful ambiance.

Mirrors aren’t just functional—they also enhance a room’s sense of space and brightness. In HGTV star Alison Victoria’s Atlanta loft, a large mirror above the mantel reflects natural light and adds a stylish focal point.

14. Refresh Coffee Table Books

Bright and cozy living room with striped sofas, orange cushions, and a wooden coffee table with stacked books, offering a beachside view through large windows.

Update the look of your living room by simply rearranging your coffee table books. Designer Barrie Benson uses stacks of beautiful art and design books to create new focal points in this inviting space.

15. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Elegant green velvet chaise lounge with plush pillows, a wall sconce, and soft curtains creating a warm, sophisticated living space.

If you don’t have room for a dedicated reading nook, incorporate cozy furniture into your living room like designer Heidi Caillier did. Choose comfy armchairs and a throw blanket to create a lounge area that invites you to relax with a good book.

16. Don’t Be Afraid of Dark Paint

Cozy bedroom with dark walls, a wooden desk, and a framed cow portrait. The space includes a lamp, flowers, and a comfortable chair.

Dark colors can make a space feel intimate and luxurious. In this moody bedroom, Farrow & Ball’s deep shade “Railings” creates a sophisticated backdrop for eclectic furniture. Dark walls are a great way to add depth and drama to a space, especially in the bedroom.

Need more inspiration for bold bedroom ideas? Check out these dark bedroom ideas for creating a cozy, moody retreat.

17. Style an Empty Fireplace

A minimalist living room with a light-toned rattan chair, a plush pouf, a modern white sofa, and a large woven pendant light. A neutral abstract painting complements the serene decor.

Turn an unused fireplace into a display area. In a texture-rich home by Leanne Ford, the empty fireplace becomes a mini gallery, showcasing pottery and artwork for an eclectic touch.

18. Pick Playful Window Treatments

A cozy bed with a mix of pink and red patterned pillows against a vibrant paisley wallpaper, with soft natural light streaming through the window.

Roman shades with fun patterns can instantly elevate a room. Designer Kristin Panitch used small floral patterns in this pink bedroom to create a cohesive, dreamy space. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns for a playful look.

19. Create a Cozy Breakfast Nook

A bright dining area with a large flower arrangement in the center of a round black table, surrounded by black spindle chairs and a woven pendant light overhead.

Even if you don’t have a built-in nook, you can create a cozy corner for breakfast by using a small round table and comfortable chairs. This charming country-chic setup shows how you can maximize a sunny corner in your kitchen for morning meals or casual afternoon tea.

20. Restyle Your Bookshelves

An elegant home library with a dark wooden ladder leaning against a large bookshelf filled with vintage books. A luxurious armchair is placed beside the bookshelf.

Bookshelves don’t have to be purely functional. In this modern library designed by Fiona Lynch, decor accents like vases and sculptures are integrated with books to break up the monotony. You can also try color-coordinating your books for a more cohesive, visually pleasing look.

21. Elevate Your Entryway

A stylish hallway featuring a red and gold console table with framed black-and-white portraits on the wall, complemented by a vase of pink and white flowers.

Make a grand first impression with a well-styled entryway. A small console table paired with modern abstract art and leaned portraits creates an inviting, laid-back vibe. The entryway is the perfect spot to experiment with layering decor for a welcoming feel.

22. Add Sheepskin for Comfort

A modern kitchen featuring sleek white cabinetry, black wire stools with white sheepskin covers, and a minimalist design with warm wood ceilings and subtle lighting.

Sheepskin throws are a simple way to add warmth and texture to any room. Whether draped over a chair or laid across a bench, they instantly make the space feel cozier. Plus, they’re lightweight and can be moved around easily depending on your needs.

23. Switch Out Throw Pillows

A classic bedroom featuring a dark green velvet headboard, white pillows, a vintage landscape print on the walls, and a colorful patterned rug.

Throw pillows are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to refresh your living room or bedroom. Experiment with new colors, patterns, and textures to change the look of the entire room without committing to a major overhaul.

24. Bring a Stool into the Bathroom

A vintage-style bathroom with a blue freestanding bathtub, light blue curtains, and a stone wall, offering a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Add a touch of luxury by placing a small stool next to your bathtub. It’s a stylish way to keep bath essentials within reach and adds an extra layer of functionality to the space. Choose a stool with a unique design to enhance the room’s aesthetic.

25. Decorate Shelves with Artwork

A cozy living room with a modern beige sofa adorned with colorful pillows, a bookshelf filled with books, and framed art on the wall, offering a stylish and comfortable ambiance.

Maximize the space on your shelves by attaching artwork directly to the unit. Designer Marissa Bero has turned this technique into an art form, using small frames, sconces, and even hanging plants to decorate shelving units and bring character to home libraries and living rooms.

26. Make a Tiny Room Shine

A unique bathroom with vintage paintings and a pink wall, showcasing an eclectic mix of art frames, a toilet, and a small decorative table with accessories.

Powder rooms and other small spaces are often overlooked when it comes to decor, but they’re the perfect canvas for big ideas. In this powder room, blush pink walls and eclectic artwork create a playful, bold statement that makes the small space feel full of personality.

27. Hang a Canopy

A cozy attic bedroom with wooden walls, a skylight, and a white canopy draped over the bed, softly illuminated by natural light.

Turn your bedroom into a dreamy escape by adding a light, flowing canopy over your bed. A white gauze canopy brings an ethereal touch to this minimalist bedroom, making it feel like a peaceful retreat fit for royalty.

28. Switch Seasonal Accents

Cozy living room scene with a brown leather couch, a plaid blanket, and a vintage record player next to a colorful rug.

Swap out accents like throw blankets and cushions to reflect the changing seasons. As winter approaches, consider cozy plaids and warm tones, while summer could call for lighter fabrics and bright colors. This easy swap helps keep your space fresh and exciting all year round.

29. Incorporate Natural Elements

Cozy living room with a neutral color palette featuring a woven coffee table, a minimalist pendant light, and a fireplace with wooden logs.

Nature-inspired decor can bring warmth and texture into any room. Think about using materials like rattan, jute, or wood for a grounded, inviting feel. In this earthy living room, natural textures are layered to create a rich, cozy environment that’s both stylish and timeless.

30. Reupholster Your Furniture

Stylish living room with pink velvet chairs, a wooden coffee table, and a marble fireplace. The wall features a geometric framed art piece with soft pink tones.

If your furniture is looking tired, consider reupholstering it rather than buying new pieces. In this eclectic living room, blush pink reupholstered chairs complement modern art and sleek, angular furniture, proving that reupholstering can be a cost-effective way to elevate your space.

For more creative ways to transform your living room, visit these stunning living room ideas.

31. Tidy Up Stylishly

Minimalist entryway with a wooden coat rack holding jackets and a tan leather tote bag, accompanied by shoes neatly placed on the floor.

Sometimes, all your space needs is a bit of organization to feel brand new. Install stylish coat hooks by the door or add a modern coat rack to keep things tidy and organized. A folding chair underneath offers a chic, practical spot to take off shoes and avoid clutter.

32. Try Color-Blocking Walls

A cozy corner featuring a blue upholstered armchair with a floral pattern, framed botanical prints on the dark blue brick wall, and a small side table with a candle and decorative items. Natural light shines through large windows.

For a graphic and bold design statement, try color-blocking your walls. Paint one section in a rich color and the rest in a neutral tone. In this design, black paint creeps up a quarter of the way from the floor, creating an eye-catching contrast with the gray above it.

33. Refresh Bathroom Walls

A stylish bathroom with white subway tile walls, featuring framed black and white artwork, including a large print with a figure holding a guitar. The floor has blue and white patterned tiles, and there is a white toilet and toilet paper holder.

Freshen up your bathroom by giving the walls a quick refresh. A clean coat of white paint instantly brightens the space, making it feel larger and more inviting. Or, if you prefer not to paint, use a Magic Eraser to clean up scuff marks for a fresh, polished look.

34. Use Wallpaper as an Accent

A cozy entryway featuring a wooden bench with pillows against a deep blue abstract painted wall. A stylish wall sconce illuminates the space, adding warmth to the modern, inviting atmosphere.

Wallpaper doesn’t need to cover an entire room to make an impact. Choose one wall and cover it with a bold, patterned wallpaper for a quick yet dramatic change. Accent wallpaper can create a focal point and add depth to any room without overwhelming the space.

35. Layer Patterns and Rugs

A colorful and eclectic bedroom featuring a vintage wooden four-poster bed with vibrant yellow and pink canopy curtains. The room has a playful atmosphere with a pink wall, turquoise curtains, and a colorful patterned rug under the bed.

Don’t be afraid to mix and layer patterns throughout your home. In this eclectic living room, three different rugs in various colors and textures bring visual interest to the floor. Layering allows you to showcase different design elements while keeping the space cohesive.

36. Revamp a Gallery Wall

A hallway adorned with multiple vintage oval mirrors in ornate golden frames. A stylish black door with glass panes leads to the outdoor area, and a chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The floor is covered with a light-colored rug.

If your hallway feels drab, update it with a gallery wall. Combine framed art with antique mirrors or thrift store finds to add character and depth. Hand mirrors or unique vintage frames can give your space an eclectic, curated look.

37. Introduce a New Throw Blanket

A cozy bedroom featuring a minimalist design with natural light streaming through skylights. A comfortable bed with purple and white bedding is accompanied by a plant and a chair. A framed artwork is mounted on the wall, and a stylish black table lamp provides a warm glow.

A vibrant throw blanket is one of the easiest ways to add a splash of color to your space. Whether draped over your sofa or at the foot of your bed, a well-placed throw adds both style and function.

38. Opt for Statement Art

A modern dining room featuring a large, colorful abstract painting on the wall. The dining table is surrounded by black Eames-style chairs, and there is a large potted plant in the corner of the room. The space is well-lit with natural light streaming through large windows.

Large-scale artwork can transform a blank wall into a focal point. Whether it’s abstract or photography, statement art creates a visual impact and sets the tone for the rest of the room’s decor. Be bold with your choice—oversized pieces work well in both minimalist and eclectic spaces.

39. Install a New Light Fixture

A cozy, modern bedroom with a luxurious deep blue and white color scheme. The bed is adorned with a variety of textured pillows in shades of blue, white, and silver. Above the bed, a gold pendant light hangs next to two framed abstract paintings in blue and beige tones.

A well-placed light fixture can instantly change the feel of a room. In this bedroom, a brass pendant light adds a modern, polished touch, contrasting beautifully with the traditional elements in the space. Whether you opt for a bold chandelier or sleek sconces, the right lighting can set the mood and highlight your decor.

40. Paint the Floor for Drama

A luxurious bathroom featuring a freestanding white bathtub with a gold faucet. Above, a grand chandelier hangs from the sloped ceiling, complementing the elegant design. Natural light streams through the window, casting a soft glow on the blue wooden floor. A framed artwork and a modern toilet complete the serene space.

For a unique, eye-catching look, consider painting your floors. A bright, bold floor color can completely transform a room. In this bathroom, a vibrant blue floor adds playful energy and draws attention to the clawfoot tub, making it the star of the space.

41. Put a Bold Floor Lamp in the Corner

A luxurious modern lounge chair in rich brown leather, designed with a sleek, curved shape, positioned near large windows offering a city view. Next to the chair is a minimalist white lamp with a round, glowing bulb, providing soft illumination in the well-lit room. The floor features a soft, checkered rug that complements the elegant atmosphere.

A bold, sculptural floor lamp not only lights up your space but also doubles as a piece of art. In this sleek corner, a modern floor lamp enhances the clean lines of the furniture while adding a sense of drama. Look for floor lamps that serve as both functional lighting and a statement piece.

42. Create Contrast

A sophisticated living room featuring a black and white striped rug, a sleek round glass coffee table with books and a vase of white flowers. The room boasts an elegant fireplace with a black mantle, framed artwork, and a large round mirror with a gold frame. The space is well-lit, with natural light streaming through the windows, highlighting the luxurious decor and the ornate chandelier above.

Mix traditional and modern elements to create dynamic contrast in your space. This living room combines a sleek, geometric coffee table with classic furniture and architectural details. The juxtaposition of styles adds depth and interest to the room.

43. Introduce Metallic Accents

A modern and serene bedroom featuring a minimalist design with soft neutral tones. The bed is adorned with light-colored pillows, and beside it is a wooden nightstand with a white lamp and a small potted plant. The walls are painted in a calming gray, and the flooring complements the muted color scheme.

Metallic accents like brass, copper, or gold can elevate a room by adding a touch of glamour. Whether through light fixtures, decor pieces, or hardware, metallics can create a striking contrast against more neutral tones.

Ready to elevate your space with these chic decorating ideas? From bold color schemes to clever layout changes, these tips offer endless possibilities for transforming your home. Want even more ideas? Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration and tips, or explore our latest posts for fall dining room decor, stunning living room ideas, and dark bedroom ideas.

Whether you’re adding a pop of color, layering textures, or switching up furniture, every little detail counts. Happy decorating!