I’ve been in the design space as an editor for over 10 years now. From writing about the trendiest paint colors and scouring the internet for top-notch interiors to run in magazines, to producing home makeovers for photoshoots and even becoming good friends with many interior designers, I’ve pretty much done it all throughout my career.
As a result, my eyes have been trained to spot certain things in a home that indicate good design. It’s something I really can’t help—and I rarely think spaces are poorly decorated, since I believe a well-designed home reflects and celebrates its inhabitants.
I’ve become so familiar with all the design tropes that when something is slightly amiss, my brain immediately flags it. So whenever I go to people’s homes, I can quickly scan the room and register all their design decisions. With that out of the way, here are the eight things I always notice when I visit other people’s homes.
How High (or Low) the Art Is
Nailing your art’s placement can be tricky. Often, I see art that’s displayed a little higher on the wall than designers recommend. Generally, art should be hung so the center of the piece is around eye level. (Though, to be fair, eye level varies, so it’s possible many of you live in a home with exceptionally tall people!)
The recommended height for your artwork is around 60 inches, or 5 feet, above the floor. I typically follow this rule but I’m not a stickler—I always step back (while my husband holds the piece, straining his arms) to make sure it looks right before making any holes in the wall, because that matters more to me than following a rule!
The Length of the Curtains
Curtains are either too long or too short in many homes. This does depend on the look you’re going for—cafe curtains are all the rage now. But most people have floor-length curtains … or at least, that’s what they’re attempting to go for. What’s more common is curtains that are an inch or two shy of the floor. Occasionally I’ll see curtains that are too long, so they look a little crumpled at the bottom. Super long drapes that pool luxuriously are an aesthetic I love, but this isn’t quite what’s happening.
Designers normally opt for curtains that just skim the floor. Admittedly, this is kind of difficult to achieve, because the very best way to accomplish this is through custom drapery. But who has the money for that? While this is something that I’m very perceptive of in someone’s home, I don’t have super strong opinions on it unless it’s really egregious. And even then, if the homeowner loves the look, that’s all that matters.
The Size of Your Rug
People usually select rugs that are too small for their spaces, I’ve observed. Rugs should usually cover most of the floor, leaving about a foot exposed along the perimeter of the room. I remember a designer pointed this out to me once in the middle of an interview, and it stuck with me ever since. She called them “postage stamp” rugs, and while I do believe they can throw a room totally off balance, I also believe you can make them work. Just layer a bigger, jute rug beneath it! This also adds a nice, natural texture to your space. Plus, jute works with almost any pattern and color because it’s so neutral, and it isn’t usually very expensive.
The Paint’s Undertone
I was the unofficial paint editor at a previous job many moons ago—it was my responsibility to flip through every page of the magazine and list each paint color used so that readers would know where to find the color.
Part of this process involved me poring over paint chips to make sure they really matched what appeared on the page, and I can’t stress the impact that experience made on how I perceive color. It’s very easy for me now to see the cool or warm undertones of a paint color, the nuances of different shades, the saturation, and so on. So as soon as I walk into a room, I can quickly register the undertone of the paint color on the walls—and whether or not it coordinates with the other colors in the room.
There’s really no right or wrong when it comes to undertones, and it depends so much on each space—the different sources of light, when the sun filters in, how big the room is, etc. But right now, the trend is to pick warm colors, so even white paint has a bit of a creaminess to it. I have to admit that leaning towards warm tones keeps a space from feeling harsh and bleak. It’s definitely the safer choice.
The Scale of Your Furniture
Perhaps this comes from years of photoshoots and trying to make sure everything looks balanced for the shot, but the size of your furniture is top of mind for me. I think sofas and armchairs, especially, are notoriously too big for spaces, though my husband likes to point out that maybe some people really love bulky furniture because it can feel cozier. And he’s right about that! I think the only time bulky pieces are really an issue is when they create a physical barrier in the room. If you’re constantly bumping into the chunky, rolled arms of your sofa, then you probably have a piece that’s a little too big. (Or you’re clumsy, like me.)
I’ve also noticed that many people love a massive TV screen. This is a little bit of a turn off for me, but only because it’s a giant black box that’s taking up precious decorating space. But I also understand we all love our TVs!
Anyway, what I’ve found helpful—between moves—is to plan my floor layouts with the measurements of all my furniture using an app like Spoak. This has been a game-changer for me and ensures I pick out furniture that’s perfectly proportioned for my space.
The Number of Pillows on the Sofa
I once did a television segment about decorating with the iconic Al Roker, and he pointed out that the sofa I was standing in front of had “too many pillows.” He staunchly believes in sofas having no more than two to three throw pillows, maximum. I don’t know if I agree with him on this, because the number of pillows you should have depends on the size of your sofa! Two pillows on a massive L-shaped sectional looks a little bare, in my opinion. But when it comes to dressing up a sofa, I prefer to stick to odd numbers—three or five pillows is about the right amount. (If you’re more of a minimalist, stick to three.)
Decorative Objects
This category, probably more than anything else in a home, is the most personal, and therefore, I don’t really scrutinize it. But I still pay attention to how much decor a person has set up on, say, their bookshelves or kitchen countertops.
People fall across the spectrum here—some have “too many things,” others don’t “have enough,” and some have the “right amount.” The common denominator though is how these things are grouped together and displayed. Similar to the throw pillow trick above, designers will usually corral decor in odd numbers, arranging items in groups of three or five. (Though, this is a rule I break often! I will sometimes do pairings and I think that can look nice too!)
Your Lighting and Light Fixtures
People really underestimate the importance of lighting in decor! Of course, lighting has a very utilitarian function in a home, but something I immediately look for when I enter a space is the statement light fixture. Just as a statement rug grounds a room, a statement light fixture takes your design all the way up to the ceiling, a spot that’s often neglected. But I’m not only looking for the wow-worthy pendant, I’m also taking in all of the different sources of light in your space.
Many people don’t layer their lighting, which can elevate your design game. Task lighting, accent lighting, and ambient lighting are all so important and can make your house feel like a warm and cozy home. I like to make sure there’s at least one table lamp, one floor lamp, and one ceiling fixture in each room of my home and positioned in different zones.
Want to add more lighting to your living room or laundry room? Borrow a lighting trick I used in a show home I worked on years ago, and add easy-to-install, app-controlled LED strip lighting to some open shelving.
