5 Design Secrets I Wish I’d Known Before Decorating My Own Place
When I first moved out on my own, I had wild visions of bringing my Pinterest boards and favorite Architectural Digest spreads to life. I bought marble trays, artwork, coffee table books, and crystals for every room in my pursuit of an enviable space I could proudly showcase on Instagram or TikTok. But the joke was on me because my decorating ambitions quickly fizzled out and I was left exactly where I’d started—but with a bunch of stuff I didn’t need.
It took some time (almost three years, but who’s counting?) for me to realize that I was focusing on all the wrong things when it came to furnishing my space. In fact, the things I did try only worked against me and made my life more difficult.
That being said, while I’ve made my fair share of noob interior design mistakes, the good news is that you don’t have to. Whether you’re getting ready to live on your own for the first time or looking to revamp your current space, I invite you to learn from my mistakes. These are the five interior design tips I wish I’d known before moving into my own place.
1. Aesthetic is nice, but comfort is key.
Nothing in your home is of much use to you if you can’t enjoy it comfortably. Sure, that gorgeous but completely impractical accent chair might look nice for photos or entertaining, but when it comes time to put your feet up and unwind for the night, you won’t be able to do so easily. Comfort is truly key, especially when it comes to furniture. So if you’re torn between comfort and aesthetics, opt for the former option. Remember: You can always bring in accessories—like throw pillows, blankets, flowers, coffee table books, etc.—to make a room look nicer.