Everyone has their own personal style. You probably know exactly what you want to wear when you wake up in the morning, and you likely know exactly where to shop to find pieces that really feel like you. But dressing yourself and dressing up your home are two completely different things. And the latter can be a lot more challenging!
If you’re in need of some home design guidance, you can always reach out to the Interior Design Ideas and Home Design subreddits. We visited these communities and compiled a list of their posts where people asked the internet how to upgrade their spaces. So enjoy channeling your inner Nate Berkus while scrolling through these pics, and be sure to upvote the spaces that you would know exactly what to do with!
#1 How To Use Area Under Stair Landing
I'm planning to use the area under my stairs for a walk-in pantry-type storage. I have a landing underneath the last step (approximately 3 x 4 feet) that has a decent area for storage but I'm not sure how to optimize that space. I don't want a deep drawer there because the space needed to pull out the drawer would mean I couldn't have any cabinets/shelving on the bottom area underneath the stairs. I was thinking about some sort of lazy-susan type item that could spin out from under there but not sure if there's any other things I could do. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
PS: I can't do the pull-out drawers via the wall on either side of the stairs because of existing items that are blocking that area in my home. So adding storage directly underneath the stairs is my only option.
cannonballfun69: Fill it with spiders
AdDirect634: I’d recommend a small cot, and your orphaned nephew live under there. He’s a little odd, but one day a large disheveled man is going to burst through the door and take him to a boarding school
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13points
#2 Is The Carpet Right For This Room? Or Should I Choose Another One?
Herredness16: As much as I like ur blinds they r not working with ur room. Can u use them elsewhere? The rug I like works with everything in your room except your curtains and shades.
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11points
#3 Style And Financially Challenged
I’m needing help designing/decorating my house on a budget. I don’t really have a style but I do like a mix of boho, mcm and eclectic I think ? I would also like some help with where my furniture should go if this current set up doesn’t look good. The only things that really can’t be moved are my couch (will eventually get another sectional, just a high budget item) and the stand with my (new tv and wall mount are also on my list) I also need wall art or decor ideas. The things I need I will have to purchase will have to be bought slowly over time. I would like to make a list of what is needed and prioritize that list on what’s needed most. I do like pink, gold and green a lot and want to incorporate those colors as much as possible. I have some brass and raw wood items as well. I want to make the space natural yet feminine. I downsized plants quite a bit from my previous home because I lost a lot of the space I had before but wouldn’t mind adding more if it’s appropriate for the space. I know I’m all over the place here so any help and guidance are appreciated. It only let me upload one photo so I’m going to try to post the other in the comments.
Historical_Reward621: The round table should be pulled out in the center and used as your coffee table. Adding a little color with some toss pillows, and a throw. Mix it up, maybe a nice print.
An accent chair down the road to tilt towards the TV and next to the couch. Some textural like rattan or rope with wood, swivel, or faux leather if scale is correct.
Floor lamp on one side of sofa, table lamp for end table. Then curate art and things you love to hang on the walls.
Pull the sofa off the wall a bit, maybe even put a skinny console table behind it. It will be more cozy plus add another area to sit a drink or display a nice photo or something
Lastly, that mirror is too small and hung too high. Watch that going forward. Hang at eye level barring a gallery wall or arrangement.
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11points
Now, you may be looking at all of the posts on this list and thinking that you could definitely use some advice for your home too. Perhaps you haven't been able to figure out your own personal style yet, so you're a bit lost when designing your home. But fear not, the internet is full of tips.
When trying to figure out how you want your home, designer and color consultant Charlotte Cropper recommends first documenting what you love. When you see something that you find beautiful or inspiring, snap a photo of it. Once you have enough examples of pieces or styles that you like, start noticing what exactly it is that stands out to you. Keep track of what you love, and keep that in mind when designing your own space.
#4 Ideas To Make Wall Less Boring
Ignore all the clutter from my baby and dog I have been wanting to put something on the wall for years but have been too indecisive to ever do it.
My main ideas are:
One long floating shelf above the tv in a similar color wood to the tv console.
Or 2 floating shelves on the wall to one side of the tv and a large framed print on one side.
seabreezeallday: I say let it be boring!
sklatnameht: OP, how do you manage having plants and a baby on the same floor space????? And the dog looks like he is judging me for asking this question!
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9points
#5 Ideas?
I bought a 1944 home and the layout is very strange in the living room. I have bought so many pieces of furniture so my house can be functional and not look so awkward but I’m not happy with the current layout. Any ideas? The tv is now where all of the pictures were because the tv mount fell out of the wall. And I’m standing where the entry way is
NoPay6387: I JUST got rid of that exact couch lol
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8points
#6 Bathroom Help
Which size rug should I go with for my bathroom? Will post second pic in comments since I don’t know how to do it here. I hate that it’s in front of the toilet either way. 😫 Also open to any other suggestions!
AdThis7046: You don't need a runner for the bathroom. You need a bath mat and if you have a preference for a sink mat, that's all you will need. A complete runner Is goofy and defeats the purpose of showing off your tile. You'll be covering nearly the entire bathroom with a runner. You might as well have just had it carpeted for that sake.
Get yourself a bath and sink mat and call it a day.
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8points
When trying to determine exactly what kind of interior design you want for your home, you should also keep in mind the difference between trends and what you truly love. It can be confusing when you see the exact same rugs, lamps, and backsplash all over social media. But take time to consider what you actually like and what you will continue to enjoy for years to come.
Meanwhile, Charlotte Cropper recommends finding your own color story. Color can be just as important in a space as the furniture and textures featured. They play a huge role in impacting our moods, as well as how energized we feel. Make sure to utilize colors in your home that make you feel calm, centered, and at peace. After all, your home should be your sanctuary.
#7 How Should I Re-Arrange This And What Size Pieces Should I Ad?
I put these framed prints up late last night (just moved in) and thought they looked great. Woke up this morning and they’re a tad… awkward in their placement? Maybe I’m just used to my wall being completely covered in posters and art… Looks odd to me. Any input?
blakeley: Too high and too close to lamp. Center over the center line of the couch and place right above the head of person sitting on couch.
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8points
#8 Help! Interior Design Skills Lacking? How To Be Better
I recently moved into a Brooklyn apartment with a small bedroom after living in an out-of-state apartment that was over 600 square feet. I used to have room for my surf gear, camping equipment, gym stuff, and more, but now I’ve had to downsize and fit everything into one small bedroom.
What can I do, from an interior design perspective, to make the space look better? Are there any tools, AI programs, prompts, or GitHub projects you use to help with design? When I ask AI directly, it usually gives me generic suggestions that wouldn’t necessarily look good in my actual space. Most of the furniture and decor I’d be buying would also come from Facebook Marketplace.
What can I do, from an interior design perspective, to make the space look better? Are there any tools, AI programs, prompts, or GitHub projects you use to help with design? When I ask AI directly, it usually gives me generic suggestions that wouldn’t necessarily look good in my actual space. Most of the furniture and decor I’d be buying would also come from Facebook Marketplace.
I have dressers about 30” tall that are going under a twin loft bed I’m getting this week.
My eye for space planning is decent but my eye for creating nice interior design is lacking. I make things too practical- I’ll optimize storage and hooks and stuff but then it’s just kinda ugly.
Careless_Mango_7948: Rotate the bed so the headboard is on the wall. Add side tables with lamps. Art over the headboard.
Use the color scheme for textiles: extra blankets & pillows to make the bed cozy. Add a large rug under the bed & floor length curtains.
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7points
#9 I Made A Mistake
We have this small living space off of our kitchen/dining area (just to the right of this photo is the kitchen, the edge of the rug is about 5 feet from the kitchen island). We don’t want to put the focus on the fireplace because it’s not cute but we can’t get rid of it because it’s a massive chimney on the outside of the house. The tv is on the wall the couch is facing. I bought a sectional picturing just a place that my kids are hanging out while I’m in the kitchen, just a small cozy space. The problem is by default with the proximity to the kitchen, whenever we have people over everyone ends up in the space. Nobody wants to sit on the chaise because it’s awkward so there ends up being not a lot of seats. I’d like to replace the sectional with different seating but can’t figure out what would work/look best. A couch and two chairs? Two smaller couches? Help! I’d like enough seating for our family of six to still be able to hang out and watch a movie together.
cjayeah: you’re right that fireplace isn’t cute… it’s awesome
Light_Butterfly: Fireplace is the best thing in this room, I'd focus the entire design around incorporating. Seating needs to face towards the fireplace/back wall with the art, not away from it.
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5points
Apartment Therapy also has some advice on how to find your personal decor style. First, they recommend starting off with a mood board. Ask yourself what exactly you gravitate towards, and try to find examples to look at for inspiration. Spend time looking at plenty of spaces online and in real life, so you can make informed decisions when you actually start purchasing things for your home.
#10 Bathroom Help
I don’t want to change the tile, but I also don’t like feeling like I’m walking into a gender reveal party every time I use the bathroom. This is one mock up I’ve done. Any advice?? My style is post modern/mcm
deloittious: That green goes horribly with the blue, how about cream?
AlgonuevoCR: What about warm up the pinkish tone ceramic with a terra cotta wall paint? It can help tone down the pinkish color
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5points
#11 Shelf Reshuffle Help
I’m not happy with how the open shelving looks. Can you help me reshuffle to create a curated look using the things I already have
Icy_Place1621: I think the top shovels are too short, is taking out that shelf level an option (even on one side?)
bougieisthenewblack: In the center area, remove the TV, th Ske the top middle shelf off and alight it with the lower side shelves. Remount the TV on the wall and higher up. Take the low flat items from the top of both sides and move to the new middle area, remove both side upper shelves, and put some taller items there
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5points
#12 Which Layout And Why?
circajusturna: B is best so you can have a nightstand
egorre: A. your monitor is visible from the living room
C. your pc will get glare from the window
D. your monitor is visible right at the door and have the least privacy as people have direct sight to your bed from the living room
B. you'd have to enter the room to see what's on your monitor or have full view of your bed
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5points
We all know that redecorating can be extremely expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Apartment Therapy suggests focusing on working with what you’ve got when trying to find your personal style. There’s no need to invest in pricey pieces until you’re absolutely certain that you’ll want them for life. See what you can upcycle or transform to suit your style for the time being. Perhaps you can hang a poster instead of an actual painting until you are able to buy something you’ll really love.
#13 What Can I Do Better? Please Help!
Moved in a month ago and this is the progress I have made yet. It's a pretty small bedroom the bed takes up most of the floor, with a desk/dresser setup in the corner.
Things things I'm stuck on:
Rug: floors feel bare but the bed eats most of the room. Do I get a runner along the open side of the bed, something partially under the bed, or skip it entirely?
The floor lamp: I have my doubts, should I replace it with something else?
Plants: What kind of plants and what size!
Any other suggestions/advice are welcome. Your help is appreciated! Thanks!
topshelfperverts: The lamps are okay, if not a little dorm-like. A warmer bulb will make them feel more cozy if you don’t want to prioritize upgrading them.
A rug will also make the area more soft and comfy. And plants always improve a space.
The biggest thing that stands out to me are the bare walls/ not having anything in the top ~60% of the space. Plenty of options to fix that, artwork can be found in thrifts for cheap, floating shelves have endless styling options and could hold some plants. Plant could also be hung from the ceiling to draw the eye up.
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5points
#14 Help With Chair/Ottoman
Does this white corduroy recliner go with this room? I say no, wife says yes. I just feel like something’s off. Maybe it’s not the recliner but the blue ottoman? Any suggestions for what color ottoman or chair you think would look better? Thanks.
Nonomomomo2: It works. The blue ottoman doesn’t.
Here’s why: the white chair picks up and goes with several other colors in the room, mainly the warm / off white of the windows and blinds (which due to their size are one of the room’s dominant colors) but also the ceiling, the trim on the wall next to it, the pillows on the couch and even the cream colored flowers on the carpet.
The other dominant color of the room is warm brown ( thanks to the floor) which the crimson couch and dark carpet pick up.
What doesn’t fit and isn’t part of any other color in the room? The blue ottoman.
In other words, the white chair and the crimson couch all work together in a complimentary way with the other colors and details in the room.
The blue ottoman does not.
If I was redecorating from scratch however, I’d get rid of both the blue ottoman and the crimson couch and get something that more closely matches the white of the chair OR get rid of the white chair and match it to the dark crimson couch.
I would not, however, do anything other than get rid of the blue.
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5points
#15 Am I Crazy For Wanting An All Black Kitchen???
This is an AI generated version of the layout that I want but in black. I'm kinda into it but not sure if I'm crazy...
antizana: Profile Badge for the Achievement Top 1% Commenter Top 1% Commenter
Yes, you’re crazy, unless you have the architecture and natural lighting to support it.
Yes, you’re crazy, unless you have the architecture and natural lighting to support it.
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4points
In the same vein, if you want to start transforming your home as soon as possible, Bless’er House has some ideas for quick and easy DIY projects that will immediately upgrade your space. When it comes to simple changes that make a huge difference, you can start with changing cabinet knobs and handles. You can also swap out the basic outlet and light switch covers for decorative ones.
#16 Help With This Room
I'm struggling with this room and could use some fresh ideas. I need a coffee table, but I'm also looking for suggestions on how to make the space feel more cohesive, brighter, and a little more stylish. This is both angles
This is a converted garage, so the layout is long and awkward. I don't have a lot of space, and there are two bedroom doors along the left wall that limit furniture placement.
QueenK59: I love the gray and blue decor. Nice space. My first thought is about the sofa. Why so far back? I realize you have a walk path for the doors, but pull the sofa forward several feet and pull the rug forward also. You have a lot empty area. You may want to turn the table 90 degrees and utilize the are behind the sofa. Round 2: have you considered flipping the TV and console with the abstract art and console? The sofa would face the TV. The table could go in the former TV area. Better traffic flow.
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4points
#17 Got Into A New House, Ideas?
Hi everyone! I’m moving into this apartment and I’d love to get your advice on how to furnish and decorate it.
Keep in mind that I’m planning to add a sofa cover, replace the rug, possibly swap out the coffee table as well, and add some nice decorative accessories here and there.
Any suggestions?
Keep in mind that I’m planning to add a sofa cover, replace the rug, possibly swap out the coffee table as well, and add some nice decorative accessories here and there.
Any suggestions?
VCULadybug_2008: No suggestions. SCREAMING! I love the floors!
TeamOk8318: Definitely a bigger rug and swap out the coffee table because they’re both out of scale. Also add more throw pillows that are bigger and consider a tall floor lamp that lights upward.
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4points
#18 Would Love Advice On How To Use This Space!
Moved into this apartment about 6 months ago, and this room feels a bit stale since we don’t have a window in here. The bike needs to stay (but can be stored differently!) but not precious about anything else. It’s right next to our kitchen, but we never spend and time in here! Feeling stuck on how to make this room homey and somewhere we want to spend time. Any advice appreciated!
CatBird2023: My first thought was "what space?" As in, it looks like you're already doing a great job of maximizing the usefulness of a small space so I'm not sure what more you could add. I do like the furniture, and the practical bike storage. What do you want/need to use this room for? Do you eat at the table? Or someplace else?
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4points
If you want to make your bathroom look much nicer with minimal effort, change out the shower curtain and replace your toilet seat cover. You can even add peel-and-stick tile to your bathroom’s backsplash and upgrade your shower head while you’re at it. Who says a bathroom can’t be functional and cute?
#19 2 Couches?
Does this look ok with these 2 curved couches? Or would 1 and a chair be better?
vulgarvinyasa2: IMO this room is the wrong way around. Big couch and TV swap. Little couch facing new TV spot and the walk space is now by those windows/doors. New rug too.
ZeldaF: turn the 2nd sofa so that they are facing each other. And ditch the rug for a cooler one with a pattern.
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4points
#20 Need Fresh Eyes - Home Office
Feeling a bit stuck on my home office and looking for some fresh ideas.
Open to suggestions - layout, rug, furniture, lighting, plants, artwork.. whatever comes to mind. The only potential constraint is that the desk isn’t reversible, as the low side cabinet is fixed on the right-hand side. I generally enjoy a minimal, while still comfy, look and feel, but would love to hear what y’all would do!
Striking-Emu-3588: Always have yr back to a wall, good feng shui
NumerousDepth1563: It’s bad Feng shui to place your desk with your back to the door - put a nice rug in and turn the desk either 90 degrees or 180 degrees. Put some art up too.
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4points