We've all seen the beautiful rooms gracing the covers of our design magazines and Instagram feeds. And I'm sure many of you have thought "Wow, that room is beautiful! My home could never look like that!" Well, you're in luck because we have some advice on how to get your home looking magazine-ready. Here are some tips to help make your rooms look designer-worthy with a few key guidelines.

1. Have at least one item in the room that will "wow"

Adding a unique piece to a "good" room will take it great. Not every piece has to be a showstopper, but you need at least one thing that will catch someone's eye. Spice up your run-of-the-mill dining room with a unique light fixture overhead. Switch out your builder-grade square bathroom mirror for a gilded round one. Here are some other ways to enhance your space:

• A unique furniture piece

• Unexpected lighting

• A vintage or patterned rug

• A bold paint color

2. Mix and match furniture pieces.

Do you ever see a matching bedroom set on the cover of a high-end decor mag? No. And there's a reason for it. Do not. I repeat, do not buy a matching furniture set. Many people think that this must be the way to go. All the pieces match each other and were put together in a "showroom". I'm afraid not. Good design is built on layers. Having a five-piece matching set in any room only creates one, dull layer.

If you have a matching set already, consider splitting it up into different rooms. Or consider changing out the hardware or finish on a few pieces. If cost is a reason you want to take this route, try looking for inexpensive second-hand pieces. Craigslist, thrift stores, and flea markets have great pieces you can use or refinish!  The retailers listed below offer great prices on new items as well.

• Wayfair
• Overstock
• World Market

3. Add texture.

Like with the furniture, you also want to have varying textures. Layer a jute rug atop your wood floors, woven pillows on your leather settee and a wool throw on your linen chair. Mixing and matching pillow fabrics is another great way to bring in textures. And don't forget about your walls! Texture isn't limited to furniture and accessories. Ex. Add a unique trim detail or wooden planks to bring interest to your walls.

4. Add layers.

As mentioned in the previous tips, layers are a must. You can build layers through patterns, texture, and accessories. If you have a plain sofa, add some pillows and a throw. If your windows are bare, add bamboo shades with some curtain panels. Top off your room with accessories for a finishing touch. We like mixing and matching a little old with a little new to bring in some depth to our spaces.

5. Watch Scale.

There is no sense in following 1-4 if you're going to throw your room off by not following tip 5. You can have a beautifully textured showstopper rug, but if the size is off, it won't matter. Unless you have a tiny room, you should never buy a rug smaller than 6x9. Window treatments are another major area where people get the scale wrong. We touched on three drapery panels guidelines here. And if you haven't read it, you should. Also, don't hang your artwork too high. The general rule is 60" on center, meaning the middle of artwork/frames should be about 60" inches from the floor. Remember scale when choosing the following:

• furniture 
• accessories
• window treatments
• rugs
• artwork

When you can take these rules and make them work together in your space, you can achieve your own beautiful, designer-worthy room.  

If you think we can be of some help to you in your home, drop us a line here.  

Have a great weekend, everyone!