Decorating your home thoughtfully requires a bit of elbow grease and some clever tips to make it feel like you. Here are some of our all-time best pieces of advice on how to decorate your space to make it look and feel intentional—and a true reflection of your style.

Select the Right Size Area Rug

Ready to find the right size rug? Remember that the edges should land about 2 feet from the walls. Now, let’s say you’ve fallen for a rug that’s not quite there. Layer it on top of a larger one, says designer Erin Gates. (Consider a natural-fiber rug.) Note: The 2-foot rule doesn’t apply to big, open-concept spaces. In that case, use a few area rugs to create zones.

Power-Clash the Right Way

Even a minimalist can enjoy mixed prints in doses. Choose a palette of matching or complementary colors, then pick prints in varied scales (large, medium, and small). One of each and they won’t compete.

Hang Curtains Higher

Like, as close to the ceiling as possible, says interior designer Elaine Griffin. The room will appear loftier. Whether or not you have high ceilings or tall windows, this trick helps create the illusion of a grander space.

Use Mirrors to Make a Small Space Feel Larger

This piece of advice applies broadly to almost any area of your home, but can especially make a small bathroom feel and look larger. When you reflect light in a space, it automatically feels more spacious.

Follow 3 Tiny Steps for Gallery Walls

Start with a loose color palette, add pieces of various sizes, and mix up the styles (abstracts, seascapes, and florals, for example) and mediums (paintings, drawings, photos).

Another tip? If you can, take your time finding art. Try collecting art over time rather than buying all the pieces at once, so your gallery wall feels collected and intentional instead of hurried.

Swap Out Builder-Grade Fixtures and Hardware

You don’t have to live with generic, blah light fixtures and hardware, even if you rent. Chances are your landlord will let you swap out knobs and flush-mount lighting if you put them back where they belong when you move out. You can find inexpensive options for cabinet pulls and such on Etsy and local hardware stores that are more your style than whatever came in your rental.

Change Throw Pillows and Blankets Out Seasonally

Want your room to feel fresh with the seasons without spending a ton of dough? Try swapping out throw pillows and blankets on your sofa and bed for an instant upgrade that won’t be pricey. Look for pillow covers that are removable so you can just store them without taking up much space, and use vacuum-packed storage for bigger pieces.

Pick the Right Paint Finish

Stumped on what paint finish will work best? Use these quick tips to make sure you choose the right type of paint for any area of your house.

• Flat or matte hides surface imperfections but isn’t all that durable, so it’s best for ceilings and walls in low-traffic spots. 
• Eggshell holds up to cleaning, so it works in kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms. 
• Semigloss can handle scrubbing but enhances bumps, making it best for trim, doors, and cabinets.