Let’s be honest. We’ve all walked into someone’s house and thought, “Okay… how do I make mine look like this?”
If you’ve ever wanted a home that makes your friends secretly jealous (in the best way), you’re in the right place. These are the same real-life, totally doable steps I use in my own home to make it feel intentional and pulled together without spending a ton of money.
And spoiler alert: it’s not about perfection. It’s about personality.
Step 1: Rethink What Counts as Art
When most people think about decorating, they start by buying new art. But here’s the truth—art doesn’t have to come from a store to make a statement.
Some of the most interesting walls I’ve ever seen are filled with things that tell a story.
Start with what you already have. Maybe you’ve got a box of old black-and-white photos from your parents or grandparents. Frame them, even if you don’t know who’s in them. They add instant character.
Have a trash bag or to-go bag from a restaurant that you spent time with for your first date and your 20th anniversary? A coaster your husband wrote a note on for your first date? A matchbook? Think outside the two dimensional box! 3D art like this is such a conversation starter!
Greeting cards can be art too. Seriously. Some of the designs are so good you’d never know they came from a $5 card aisle. Put one in a big mat and frame it. Instant charm.
And don’t skip the sentimental stuff. My favorite art is the toddler doodles my now-18-year-old painted years ago. They’re bright, messy, and full of personality—just like home should be.
If you need help figuring out where to even start decorating, check out How to Start Decorating Your Home: A Beginner’s Guide.
Step 2: Add Personality With Story Pieces
What makes a home feel special isn’t perfection. It’s the story it tells.
That little matchbook you brought home from a trip? Put it in a bowl on your coffee table. The books you love to flip through? Stack them up and use them as part of your decor.
And while we’re on the subject of coffee tables, let’s talk rugs. If your rug is the size of a bath mat, it’s time for an upgrade. Go bigger—like 8×10 or 9×12. It’ll make your whole room feel grounded and finished.
Here are some rules according to Emily Henderson:
The Living Room Rug Rules
GENERAL RULES:
- Typical living room rug sizes are 8’x10′ and 9’x12′.
- Make sure your rug is at least 6″ wider (8″ is ideal) than your sofa on both sides.
- Typically run the rug the length of the sofa.
- Give 30″ to 36″ of a walkway between large furniture pieces (if your living room allows for it) if not then at least 18″-24″. That will help to inform your rug size.
The Dining Room Rug Rules
GENERAL RULES:
- Typical dining room rug sizes are 8’x10′ and 9’x12′.
- Give at least 12″ between the rug and wall if you have the space.
- Allow at least 36″ from the edge of your table to the edge of the rug. This let’s gives you room to pull out your chairs without falling off the rug.
TIP: Not every dining room needs a rug, but if you do have one make sure there is plenty of room to pull the chairs in and out without having the chair half on and half off the rug.
TIP: Flatweave rugs are, in my opinion, the best choice for dining rooms. They are the easiest to move chairs around on as well as clean. If you don’t want a flatweave then tufted or low-pile rugs can also work. I just suggest avoiding shags and thick piles. They will catch everything that falls off the table and are much harder to clean.
The Bedroom Rug Rules
GENERAL RULES:
- Ideally, your rug should have at least 24″ on all three sides of your bed.
- Our typical sizing rules are: for a Twin go for a 5’x8′, a Full 6’x9′, a Queen 8’x10′, and a King 9’x12′.
- The legs of your footboard should be on top of your rug.
TIP: Make sure that you have some space on either side of the rug once it is tucked under your bed. If it is similar in width to your bed then it may look too squished and small for the size of your bedroom.
One of the main functions of a rug is to pull the room together, not chop it up.
Curtains can make a huge difference too. Hang them high and wide, at least 8–10 inches above and outside the window. It makes your ceilings look taller and your room look bigger.
It’s one of those simple fixes that feels like a glow-up every time you walk in.
Step 3: Let there be (good) light
Lighting can make or break a room. Harsh overhead lights? Instant interrogation vibes. Warm, layered light? Cozy and welcoming.
Here’s the trick: mix it up.
- Overhead lighting for brightness.
- Task lighting for reading or working.
- Accent lighting for mood.
Overhead = can lights, ceiling lights, fan lights
Task = floor and surface/table lamps
Accent = picture lights, sconces, candles
For a very warm but not-too-yellow feel go with a 2500-3000K light bulb. You’ll thank me later. {wink}
And please, replace those builder-grade boob lights. You can find affordable lighting on Facebook Marketplace, at thrift stores, or even on Amazon if you search with keywords such as vintage, flush mount, chandelier (depending on what you’re searching for). If you want the flush mount, there are sooo many great options out there in several different finishes.
While you’re at it, upgrade your throw pillows too. If they came with your couch, it’s time for them to retire. Mix textures, patterns, and colors. They don’t have to match perfectly—they just have to feel collected.
Need more inspo for unique finds? You’ll love How to Design from Facebook Marketplace, Estate Sales & Thrifted Pieces.
Step 4: Add Layers That Make People Stop and Stare
Here’s where your home starts to feel like you.
Paint something unexpected. Try a fun color on your front door or even your trim. Paint your interior doors black for contrast—it looks bold and timeless.
Get creative with your thrift finds. That old trumpet? Hang it on the wall rightside up and add flowers in it like a vase. A chipped liquor bottle? Fill it with colored water or flowers. Old doesn’t mean outdated—it means interesting.
Add plants. Trust me on this one. They bring life, texture, and color to any room. And the best part? You can’t really mess them up if you go faux.
Then layer everything. A throw on a chair. Art leaning in front of art. Small pieces on top of stacked books. Layers make a home feel lived-in and loved while giving your spaces depth and dimension.
Do these things and your friends will swear you hired a designer. Spoiler: you didn’t—it’s just you.
Step 5: The Secret No Designer Will Ever Tell You
You made it to the end, so here’s the real secret: stop chasing perfect.
Perfect homes are forgettable. The homes that stick with you are the ones that feel real.
The pastel tree on my dining room wall? It survived the house fire that burned Andy’s grandmother’s home down 11 years ago. The edges are browned and smoky, but I love it because it tells a story.
That buffet in my dining room? I found it on Facebook Marketplace for $50! The leg’s chipped and partially missing, but that’s what makes it beautiful.
Those imperfect pieces make my home mine.
A “perfect” house feels like a showroom. A real one feels like a person.
So let your home evolve. Let it have a few scratches, a few mismatched frames, and a few pieces that only make sense to you. That’s the good stuff.
That’s the kind of home that makes people pause and say, “I love it here.”
Your home should tell your story—and no one else’s.
And when it does, people won’t just be jealous. They’ll be inspired.
