Start with one idea and build around it. If you’re drawn to a classic cottage feel for your bedroom, for example, begin with a bed frame that you love and from there, purchase pieces that complement its shape, color, and material. If you purchase a number of things simultaneously for their individual value, you may place them all in the same space to find they clash.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! As tempting as it may be to purchase an attractive set or pieces all in one color, often a carefully selected variety will prove deeply attractive. Try mixing different shades of wood for a rich palate, or place a colorful rug in the center of a room featuring monochromatics.
Lighting can change an atmosphere immensely. When choosing how to brighten your kitchen, living room, or other area, consider the ambiance you’d like to create. More modern environments may call for sharp, sleek standing lamps in unusual shapes giving off a high voltage, while a country-cabin type aesthetic may be better highlighted by soft light sources in several places.
Often, a decent paintjob can bring a room—and its furniture alive. Consider an accent wall that brings out the blues in a bedspread, or try painting vertical stripes on two walls of your dining space to highlight out the sharp lines of a well-made table.