19 Decorating Shortcuts Interior Designers Actually Like And Approve Of
Transforming your home doesn’t always require professional help or weeks of planning. Many interior designers have favorite shortcuts that deliver impressive results without the headache of complicated projects.
These designer-approved tricks can help you refresh your space quickly and affordably, giving you that professional look without breaking the bank or requiring specialized skills.
1. Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper
Gone are the days of messy paste and permanent commitment. Professional designers love this temporary solution for adding pattern and personality to spaces.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers incredible versatility for renters or the design-fickle. It creates instant impact in small spaces like powder rooms or as accent walls behind beds.
2. Removable Wall Decals
Quick style updates without the commitment? That’s exactly why designers recommend these versatile adhesive elements for clients who crave change.
Wall decals come in countless designs from sophisticated geometrics to whimsical patterns. They’re perfect for kids’ rooms, rental properties, or anyone wanting seasonal decor changes without damaging walls or emptying wallets.
3. Slipcovers For Sofas And Chairs
Savvy designers frequently recommend this budget-friendly alternative to full reupholstery. A well-fitted slipcover can completely transform dated furniture into fresh focal points.
Modern slipcovers come in tailored styles that look nothing like their baggy predecessors. They allow seasonal color changes and protect investment pieces from kids, pets, and everyday wear while maintaining a polished appearance.
4. Plug-In Wall Sconces
Brilliant lighting without an electrician’s bill? Professional decorators adore these instant ambiance creators for their versatility and ease of installation.
Plug-in sconces add architectural interest and free up valuable surface space on nightstands and tables. The latest designs feature sophisticated finishes and adjustable arms that look indistinguishable from hardwired versions but can be installed in minutes.
5. Layered Rugs For Instant Texture
Visual interest underfoot happens instantly with this designer favorite. The layering technique allows you to incorporate seasonal patterns without replacing larger investment pieces.
Professional decorators often place smaller vintage or high-contrast rugs atop neutral bases. This approach creates dimension while allowing you to showcase special pieces without committing to room-sized versions of bold patterns.
6. Ready-Made Drapes With Custom Touches
Achieving that bespoke window treatment look doesn’t require custom pricing. Savvy designers regularly enhance store-bought curtains with simple modifications that elevate their appearance.
Ready-made panels become instantly custom when paired with decorative trim, rings, or unique tiebacks. The professional trick is hanging them higher and wider than the window frame to create the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings.
7. Decorative Throw Pillows
Affordable makeovers start with these textile chameleons. Design professionals consider pillows the quickest way to refresh a room’s color story and introduce seasonal trends.
Decorative pillows allow experimentation with patterns too bold for larger pieces. The designer secret? Mix sizes, textures and patterns while maintaining a cohesive color palette, and always choose inserts one size larger than the cover for that plush, professional look.
8. Stylish Storage Baskets
Clutter control never looked so good! Professional organizers and designers alike embrace these functional accessories as problem-solvers that contribute to a room’s aesthetic.
Storage baskets offer the perfect marriage of form and function. They corral everything from toys to blankets while adding natural texture to spaces. Designers recommend choosing consistent materials for a cohesive look, even when basket shapes vary.
9. Pre-Finished Flooring Options
Professional results without the professional installation timeline? That’s exactly what makes these ready-to-go flooring solutions a designer favorite for quick renovations.
Pre-finished options eliminate the mess, fumes, and waiting period of traditional floor refinishing. From engineered hardwoods to luxury vinyl planks, these systems often feature click-lock installation that ambitious homeowners can tackle themselves while achieving showroom-worthy results.
10. Accent Walls With Paint
Maximum impact with minimal effort makes this technique a staple in the designer playbook. A single painted wall can completely transform a room’s mood and focal point.
Accent walls work particularly well behind beds, in dining rooms, or wherever you want to draw attention. Designers often use deeper shades of the room’s existing color for subtle sophistication, or bold contrasting hues for dramatic statements.
11. Large-Scale Art Prints
Empty walls fill with personality thanks to this designer shortcut. Oversized art creates instant focal points without the commitment of permanent architectural changes.
Large-scale prints deliver maximum visual impact at accessible price points. Designers recommend choosing pieces that occupy at least two-thirds of available wall space and framing them simply but substantially to achieve that collected-over-time gallery appearance.
12. Temporary Backsplash Tiles
Kitchen transformations happen overnight with this clever designer hack. Peel-and-stick tiles offer the look of expensive renovations without demolition or specialized installation skills.
Temporary backsplashes come in materials ranging from vinyl to real metal composites. The latest options feature realistic grout lines and three-dimensional textures that mimic ceramic, marble, and subway tiles while allowing renters and budget-conscious homeowners to achieve magazine-worthy kitchens.
13. Quick Cabinet Hardware Swaps
Tiny changes create massive visual upgrades in kitchens and bathrooms. Designers often call hardware the “jewelry” of cabinetry for its ability to instantly elevate even builder-basic installations.
Swapping standard pulls for statement pieces requires just a screwdriver and measuring tape. The professional approach? Choose consistent finishes throughout a space, but don’t fear mixing knob styles between upper and lower cabinets for custom character.
14. Statement Light Fixtures
Architectural interest emerges from the ceiling with this designer favorite. A standout chandelier or pendant creates instant drama while drawing the eye upward to expand perceived space.
Statement lighting functions as functional sculpture in well-designed rooms. The professional secret is selecting fixtures slightly larger than seems appropriate – undersized lights appear skimpy while oversized pieces create deliberate design statements that anchor rooms and establish style direction.
15. Decorative Mirrors To Expand Space
Visual square footage multiplies instantly with this classic designer trick. Strategically placed mirrors bounce light around rooms while creating the illusion of additional space and windows.
Decorative mirrors function as both art and space enhancers. Professionals place them opposite windows to simulate additional natural light sources or in narrow hallways to visually widen tight spaces. Oversized floor mirrors leaning against walls create particularly dramatic effects.
16. Faux Plants For Low Maintenance Greenery
Forever-fresh foliage without the commitment has made artificial plants a designer staple. Today’s high-quality fakes are nearly indistinguishable from their living counterparts.
Faux greenery adds organic texture and life to spaces without watering schedules or light requirements. Designers mix artificial specimens with real plants for maintenance balance, focusing investment on convincing larger statement pieces while using realistic smaller accents throughout rooms.
17. Contact Paper For Fast Surface Updates
Budget-friendly surface transformations happen in hours with this versatile material. From countertops to furniture, designers embrace high-quality contact papers for temporary makeovers.
Modern contact papers mimic marble, wood grain, and other premium finishes with remarkable realism. They’re particularly useful for rental properties or staged homes. The professional application secret? Use a credit card to smooth bubbles and a hairdryer to help the material conform around edges.
18. Pre-Made Gallery Wall Sets
Curated collections eliminate the guesswork of wall arrangements. These ready-to-hang sets deliver the collected-over-time look without the designer fee or arrangement anxiety. Pre-made gallery walls come with templates ensuring perfect placement.
Designers appreciate how these coordinated sets create instant personality while maintaining professional proportions. The expert trick? Customize standard sets by swapping a few images for personal photos to create a uniquely personalized arrangement.
19. Furniture Leg Replacements
Ordinary pieces transform into custom creations with this simple hardware swap. Replacing standard sofa or cabinet legs instantly elevates mass-produced furniture to custom-look status.
Furniture legs come in materials from brass to carved wood and install with basic tools. Designers use this trick to raise low-profile pieces for better proportion or to add architectural styles like mid-century tapered legs or traditional turned details to basic box stores finds.
