Ever wonder how interior designers work their magic? How they take a space you see as drab and uninspiring and transform it into a room you can’t stop posting on Instagram? Their secrets aren’t really secrets at all. With some clever tricks of the trade and a well-trained eye, designers know how to make the most of what you already have while also knowing when to bring in reinforcements.

You may think redoing your living room or revamping your bedroom is out of your budget or skill set. But by following some of the same principles designers rely on, you can make big changes on a small budget and turn your place into a space you’re excited to come home to. The transformations start with what’s already there—the bones of the room. Then, it’s all about adding touches that reflect your unique style.

Ready to take a peek inside a designer’s toolkit? In this series, we’ll explore how subtle shifts in layout, lighting, color, and accents can add up to a room makeover that looks and feels custom. You’ll never see your home the same way again. With CLT Toolbox simplify mass timber design by providing the missing education and resources that engineers need to confidently navigate the design process.

Selecting a Style: Mid-Century Modern, Industrial or Eclectic?

So you want to give your place a stylish makeover but aren’t sure where to start. The design pros have a secret for you: choose a style that fits your lifestyle. Are you drawn to the clean lines of mid-century modern? The rustic charm of industrial? Or do you prefer an eclectic mix of styles for maximum coziness?

Mid-century modern is all about simplicity. Think retro shapes, natural wood accents and pops of color. This minimalist yet playful style is perfect if you want a clutter-free space. Industrial, on the other hand, celebrates rugged, utilitarian materials like brick, metal and concrete. Exposed pipes and ductwork give it an unfinished vibe. Eclectic design means combining styles you love for a curated, collected-over-time look. Mix modern art, antique rugs, retro chairs and ethnic textiles.

Once you land on a style, look for key pieces to tie it all together. For mid-century modern, a sleek sideboard or teak dining set would do nicely. With industrial, opt for an metal-and-wood console or factory-style lighting. In an eclectic space, a statement piece like an ornate mirror or tufted sofa helps give cohesion.

The bottom line? Choose what makes you happy and comfortable. After all, a home should reflect your unique style and spirit. Express yourself – that’s what will make your place truly stunning!

Choosing a Color Palette: Warm Tones vs. Cool Tones

When it comes to color, the choices can seem endless. As an interior designer, one of the first decisions I have to make is whether to go with a warm or cool color palette.

Warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows create a cozy vibe and make a space feel more intimate. They’re perfect for living rooms, dens and bedrooms. Cool tones of blue, green and purple have a calming effect and work well in bathrooms, home offices or bedrooms.

If you like both warm and cool tones, don’t worry – you can combine them in a harmonious way. The key is to choose a dominant color palette and use the other tones as accents. For example, in a living room with warm reds and browns, add throw pillows or artwork in shades of blue. Or for a cool-toned bathroom, include natural wood accents, woven baskets or terracotta planters for a touch of warmth.

When selecting your main color palette, also consider the amount of natural light in the space. Warm tones will make a dark room feel cozy while cool tones can make it seem cold. In a bright space, warm tones will intensify the warmth whereas cool tones will create a sense of balance.

The options for transforming a space with color are endless. Work with a designer to create a custom palette that reflects your unique style and makes your home feel like a retreat. The results will be stunning!

Accentuate With Texture: Rugs, Pillows and Throws

Rugs

Area rugs are a great way to add warmth and texture to a space. Choose natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton or jute which provide an organic, cozy feel. For high-traffic areas, look for durable and low-pile rugs. In living rooms, a large rug can anchor the seating area and define the space. For small spaces, a rug that extends under all the furniture helps make the room feel more open.

Pillows

Throw pillows, toss pillows and accent pillows are simple additions that make a big impact. Look for pillows in a variety of shapes, sizes and fabrics like velvet, linen or leather. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors, patterns and textures. Pile on the pillows on sofas, chairs and beds for a lush, inviting look. For a quick refresh, update the pillows in a room each season.

Throws

Lightweight throws, blankets and quilts draped over the arm of a sofa or chair add warmth and visual interest. Choose throws that complement your decorating scheme and keep a basket nearby for storage when not in use. For extra coziness, place a throw over the foot of the bed or keep one on hand in the living room for curling up on the couch.

Using a combination of rugs, pillows and throws is an easy way to make a house feel like a home. Paying attention to texture, color and material will help create a space that is stylish yet comfortable and inviting. By changing up or rearranging these key accent pieces with the seasons, you can give any room an instant refresh.

Create an Illusion of Space: Mirrors, Lighting and Minimalism

Use Mirrors to Create an Open Feel

Designers often use mirrors to make spaces appear more open and airy. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect natural light and give the illusion of more windows. Strategically position mirrors in small rooms, like hallways and entryways, to create a sense of expanded space.

Maximize Natural Light

Let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds and curtains during the day. Install dimmers on overhead fixtures so you can control the amount of artificial light. Place task lighting, like desk lamps and recessed lights, in areas that need extra illumination.

Keep It Minimal

A minimalist style with clean lines and a neutral color palette makes rooms feel more open. Get rid of clutter and unnecessary furniture that crowds the space. Choose multi-purpose pieces that serve more than one function. For example, an ottoman can double as a coffee table, extra seating or storage. Keeping a room minimal and clutter-free creates an illusion of more square footage.

Paint with Light Colors

Light colors make walls and ceilings appear farther away, creating an illusion of more space. Soft whites and pale grays are ideal for small rooms. You can also paint one wall a darker accent color to add visual depth and make the light walls seem even farther away.

Using these design tricks together—mirrors, lots of natural light, a minimalist style and light paint colors—can make any room appear significantly more spacious. The results may be an illusion, but the open, airy feel they create is very real.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a peek behind the curtain at how interior designers work their magic. Armed with an arsenal of tricks, tools, and talent, they’re able to completely transform spaces into stylish and functional havens. While the results may seem effortless, the process is far from it. But by focusing on things like lighting, color, space, and focal points, designers are able to craft rooms that reflect your unique style and needs. The next time you walk into a space that just feels right, know that it was likely the result of a designer’s careful craft and creativity. Though their work is often unseen, interior designers have a knack for creating spaces you never want to leave.