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Easy Living

Living in the city is a dream come true for so many young and aspiring people. Living glamorously with big open windows and breathtaking views is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Decorating the interior to match the exterior of living in Manhattan, can be a challenge, and this is where our amazing community stepped in to help. 

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📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">ajayda</a>

We challenged our users to create spaces that embody what it means to live in Manhattan. We gave them spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc. Check out some of their beautiful designs!

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📷: <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@michelle_schaeffer</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">debra10</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">@lady_rose</a>

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📷:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">@</a><a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">nasa75</a>

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Design Challenge: Manhattan Life

Try our new AI Interior Designer today!

Discover a tranquil bohemian patio with lush greenery, vibrant purple accents, and rustic rattan furniture creating a serene outdoor retreat.

Serene Bohemian Patio with Rattan Charm

A bohemian patio with purple flowers, rattan furniture, and a parrot, set against a scenic mountain view.

Moving Light

Explore this serene bohemian patio with rattan furniture and vibrant purple florals. Transform your outdoor space today.

Bohemian Patio with Rattan Furniture and Purple Florals

 - Inspired by @decormattersdesign

Toots Place

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Step aside, moody walls and muted neutrals. Enter pastel color drenching. This immersive and surprisingly sophisticated trend is all about boldly embracing color, but with a gentle, livable touch. Simple strategies can help you try out the style without it becoming overpowering.

Color drenching is a design concept that involves wrapping a room in a single color or closely related shades. Designers paint walls, trim and even ceilings to create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere, elevated by coordinating furniture and textile choices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Initially, the trend focused on moody tones, but more recently, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/discover/color-drenching-pink" target="_blank">pastel shades and light colors</a> have emerged as a palette of choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today’s pastels are not your great-grandmother’s pastels. Far from being sugary or childish, modern hues are dusty, cloudy or softened. However, these shades still evoke nostalgia, romance, fairy tales or escapism. In an uncertain world, people may be craving these comforting colors as a haven from tech-heavy, stressful lives.&nbsp;

According to predictions by Zillow, color drenching is expected to <a href="https://www.zillow.com/learn/hottest-home-trends/" target="_blank">remain trendy through 2026</a>, making now a great time to experiment with this trend.&nbsp;

5 Tips to Pastel Color Drench Without Overwhelm

Your goal is to create depth and interest, not a flat, monotonous space. If you’re new to this trend, here are tips to make it manageable.&nbsp;

Beginners can easily experiment in a powder room, home office, entryway or reading nook. This makes the project feel more doable and will help you build confidence before tackling a larger room.

To create visual interest and avoid flatness, it’s important to use multiple tints of the same pastel shade. You can do this by using one tint on the walls and another for trim, but it’s often easiest to do it through furniture, textiles and textures. Experiment with adding velvet, linen, wood or metal to your drenched space, in different versions of the same core color.&nbsp;

It doesn’t have to be literally top to toe, especially on your first attempt. A white ceiling, a natural wood floor or some neutral furniture can provide a visual break and prevent the single pastel color from becoming too intense.&nbsp;

You can use decor to enhance the drenched look. A few decorative items in a contrasting, deeper hue can create a focal point and add layers and complexity to your room.

Lighting has a major impact on color drenching, especially with pastels. Rooms featuring abundant natural light can handle slightly more saturated tones, while darker spaces may benefit from sticking to the very pale end of the spectrum.&nbsp;

Since good exterior design can <a href="https://kitsapgaragedoor.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-curb-appeal/" target="_blank">boost your home’s value by 7%</a>, this is one way to experiment that might also yield a return on your investment. Painting your garage door in your favorite pastel shade can add personality and curb appeal to your home while still appealing to a broad range of potential buyers.

Once you have a hue for your garage door, link it to other exterior features — such as your front door or fencing — in the same pastel tone for a cohesive look. However, check swatches in outdoor light, as artificial lighting in a store can <a href="https://renovated.com/why-are-front-door-colors-important/" target="_blank">alter the color’s appearance</a> compared to how it looks in sunlight.

With a creative eye, many pastel combinations can work well for exteriors. For example, if you choose to paint the whole exterior, you might pair <a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/exterior-color-combinations/" target="_blank">buttercream yellow with white window trims</a> and a dark roof, making your windows appear larger and your home more calming.&nbsp;

What are the Benefits of Color Drenching?

Along with looking visually stunning, there are several practical reasons for going all-in with a single color. Using a pale shade wall-to-wall can <a href="https://www.theinteriordesigninstitute.com/ca/fr/blog-power-of-color-psychology-in-design" target="_blank">make a room appear larger</a> as it reflects more light. Color drenching can also:

Pastels are created by mixing primary or secondary colors with white, resulting in a less saturated tint. They are true to the mood of the original, but with added light, playfulness or softness.&nbsp;

Everyone reacts to color differently, but as a general rule, these are some of the moods you can evoke with specific tones:

&nbsp;Above all, choose a pastel you personally love.

Pastel color drenching creates harmony through clever layering of tones and textures. By starting small, indoors or outdoors, you can experiment and have some fun with it. Go ahead and let the soft, dreamy language of pastels transform your space and your home’s mood.&nbsp;

Ready to try pastel color drenching in your own space? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">Download the DecorMatters app</a> to explore real-room designs on the <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore">Explore page</a> and use our <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">AI Interior Designer</a> to instantly visualize pastel palettes, layouts, and styles in your home—before you paint, buy, or commit.

UP NEXT:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/enhancing-your-home-s-atmosphere-with-color-psychology">Enhancing Your Home's Interior Design With Color Psychology</a>

Soft pink living room with neutral furniture, warm wood floors, and layered textures

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Discover how to use pastel color drenching to create a cohesive, light-filled interior without overwhelming your space. Learn expert tips for pastel palettes, layering textures, lighting, and applying this interior design trend to real homes.

Pastel color drenching is an interior design approach that uses one soft hue across walls, trim, and decor to create a cohesive, immersive space. 

How to Try Pastel Color Drenching Without Overwhelming Your Space

Living in a smaller apartment, condo or house has its charms, but you may struggle to decorate rooms without making them feel cluttered or wish there was more light inside. Discover eight practical and stylish tips to make your small space feel grand.&nbsp;

A naturally lit space typically feels more spacious than a dark one, and it offers numerous psychological benefits. Natural light can <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389909465_Natural_Light_in_Interior_Architecture_Enhancing_Mental_Health" target="_blank">enhance mood and improve cognitive performance</a>, notably by regulating your circadian rhythm. As a result, daylight exposure is critical in contemporary design.&nbsp;

There are many small home interior design ideas to enhance natural light. Avoid blocking windows with furniture, and strategically place mirrors to reflect sunlight from those across the room. Sheer curtains or decorative window films can provide light without sacrificing privacy.

A cohesive color palette ties a room or even your entire home together.&nbsp; Many designers <a href="https://renovated.com/bold-colors-home/" target="_blank">recommend the 60-30-10 rule</a>, in which 60% of the room features a dominant color, 30% incorporates a secondary color and the final 10% adds an accent color. For example, you might have a living room with 60% tan walls and furniture, 30% blue blankets and rugs, and 10% red vases and photo frames.

Determine the colors that best suit your small condo design ideas. Light and neutral palettes can help create a space that feels soothing, while bolder ones can make it feel energetic.&nbsp;

Oversized furniture can make a small room feel cramped, so choose pieces that fit in the space. Small condo bedroom design ideas often include minimalist bed frames and hanging light fixtures. In the dining area, you might opt for an expandable table and sturdy hooks to hang pots and pans. The bathroom may feature a practical over-the-toilet shelving unit.&nbsp;

Multifunctional furniture is essential for low-budget small house interior design. Shop for storage ottomans, tables with hidden compartments, sofa beds to accommodate guests and chairs that are easy to move around.&nbsp;

In open-concept spaces, it can be especially helpful to create distinct zones for cooking, relaxing, working and more. For instance, some apartments or condo kitchens have counters or built-in cabinetry that separates the cooking area from the rest of the space. There may be interior glass doors, which <a href="https://www.homecenteroutlet.com/blogs/all/french-doors-for-inside?srsltid=AfmBOorAwDTZX3lVLjRH6Ko4WhecX-LnCoevDdB4aEvSD39P22P7yEZW" target="_blank">separate spaces while allowing natural light</a> to pass through.&nbsp;

For a renter-friendly divider solution, consider foldable panels made of wood or fabric. These can be moved around or folded when not in use. Additionally, you can use furniture to create zones. Very small living room ideas include using a large area rug to define a space or a bookcase to separate a work-from-home corner from the rest of the area.&nbsp;

Utilizing vertical space effectively is crucial in small apartments and condos. Rather than placing necessities and decorations on floors or tabletops, consider what you can attach to the walls. This might include planters that hang from the ceiling, floating bookshelves, hooks for coats and bags, or wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. Install racks in the bathroom and kitchen, which allow the towels to dry while adding a pop of color to the space.&nbsp;

When shopping for dressers or shelving units, opt for ones that are tall rather than long to maximize space. Cube shelves can be positioned horizontally or vertically, providing you with more flexible room design options in a small apartment or condo.&nbsp;

Environments have been proven to influence how you feel. A beautiful, clutter-free home is more likely to be <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494425001550" target="_blank">associated with higher life satisfaction</a> and better psychological well-being than a messy one. However, things often accumulate more easily in small or already disorganized spaces.

Your small home interior design should support simple organizational and cleaning habits. It should have plenty of drawers — built into the walls or furniture pieces — to store items. Spice racks, jewelry boxes and other tabletop organizers give everything a designated space to go when not in use. Consider using a cleaning caddy that can be wheeled into each room and easily stored in a closet.&nbsp;

In a small apartment, condo or house, you must work with the rooms you have. Part of your clothing closet may be dedicated to storing seasonal decorations, or your dining table will double as a laptop workspace. If you have children, consider bunk beds that take up less floor space in their shared bedroom.&nbsp;

If you have a personal garage, consider using it as an additional room and parking your car in the driveway. Popular transformations include art or influencer studios, home gyms and storage rooms.&nbsp;

A significant factor in making your small home feel grand is turning it into one you enjoy living in. While there are many organizers and practical furniture pieces to choose from, you should select the ones that best serve your needs. Obtain furniture and decor from various sources, from department stores to thrift shops, to find things that reflect your style.

Find a recliner that fits the limited space and is perfectly comfortable for reading or watching TV. Choose floating shelves in your preferred wood stain and wall sconces that complement your style. Add final touches, such as a gallery wall or a beautiful area rug, to make the space truly feel like home.&nbsp;

Experiment With Low-Budget Small House Interior Design

There are many ways to use furniture, storage and decor for a small apartment. You should maximize light, choose multifunctional furniture, create distinct zones and design with your personal needs in mind. With a little creativity, you can effectively transform your small home into a spacious and inviting space.&nbsp;

Ready to visualize these ideas in your own space? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the&nbsp;DecorMatters&nbsp;app</a> to explore real apartment and condo designs, <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore" target="_blank">browse the Explore page</a> for inspiration, and experiment with layouts, furniture, and styles before you decorate.

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Discover 8 small apartment and condo decorating ideas to maximize space, light, and style. Learn how to use color palettes, multifunctional furniture, vertical storage, and smart layouts for small homes.

Living in a small apartment or condo doesn’t mean giving up style. These decorating ideas show how to maximize space, light, and layout for a home that feels open and intentional.

8 Small Apartment and Condo Decorating Ideas for Big Style

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Holiday decorating is something people look forward to every year. But with internet trends coming and going at warp speed, some holiday decoration choices may become controversial. Explore holiday styling trends that people either love or hate, and see if you feel inspired.

Whether you’re one of <a href="https://www.christmastreeassociation.org/press-releases/survey-finds-artificial-christmas-trees-continue-to-dominate-us-holiday-dcor" target="_blank">the 83% of American households</a> setting up an artificial tree or not, this trend has big bows covering the evergreen branches. Some people love that aesthetic, and others prefer to see every pine needle on each branch. If you’ve never swapped ornaments for bows or used one as a tree topper, see if it’s something you’d like to try this year. You could make the bows match the rest of your house so they fit with your existing interior design choices.

Holiday colors are typically red and green or blue and white, but those aren’t your only choices. Some homeowners are combining their passion for autumn with their holiday spirit. Transform your home this year with orange and black stockings over the fireplace. You could hang garlands full of fall leaves and light pumpkin spice candles. Use spooky ornaments or keep your pumpkin displays on the mantle through both seasons.&nbsp;

Investing in giant decorations could make everyone feel like they’re in Santa’s workshop during the holiday season. Get the biggest tree you can find, cover it in huge ornaments and place extra-large candles around your home. You can even find string lights with giant bulbs that combine a vintage throwback with your trendy decorating style.

Don’t forget about other interior design elements that will lend to your theme. For example, you could get a massive rug to go under your tree. Circular rugs typically <a href="https://www.districtfloordepot.com/blogs/news/choosing-the-best-rug-for-hardwood-floors-test" target="_blank">look better under round fixtures</a>, so aim for something that mirrors the shape of your tree’s base. Oversized throw blankets and big couch pillows would complement your rug as well.

This year, some people are opting to leave their decorations in storage. Bare trees are a bold, minimalist and nature-inspired styling statement. Your home could embrace this trend if you get a one with pine cones, sprayed-on snow or elaborate foliage. Or, go all-natural entirely with a real tree, real pine cones and real foliage throughout your home. Poinsettia flowers are a great way to add holiday spirit to your decor while keeping it natural.&nbsp;

Temporary wallpaper is an excellent way to celebrate the holidays and add a unique touch to your home. Hang panels covered in mistletoe around your living room or decorate your dining room with snowy imagery.

You can even <a href="https://renovated.com/how-to-decorate-the-ceiling/" target="_blank">apply the wallpaper above your head</a> to transform your ceiling into part of your seasonal decorations. Patterns that show Santa flying through the night sky might make your home more festive than ever.

Gingerbread houses are an adorable winter holiday decoration. What if you swapped the cookies for rectangular marshmallows and rice cereal blocks instead? People have been building gingerbread houses since the Germans <a href="https://blog.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/gingerbread-engineering/" target="_blank">started in the 16th century</a>, so skipping the tradition could be part of your controversial decorating.&nbsp;

Your marshmallow home will look pretty for a while because the sweet squares don’t go bad quickly and hold up well. All you have to do is mix rice cereal with marshmallow fluff to make whatever shapes your project requires. Try making elaborate structures with thicker marshmallow squares and toothpicks. Your family may love the new kitchen adventure, especially if no one in your household enjoys eating leftover gingerbread pieces as snacks.

Explore Controversial Holiday Styling Trends

People are getting creative with their holiday decorations this year. See what everyone’s doing differently to explore potential new ways to style your home. You may find something you adore or rediscover your love for the traditional decorations you’ve always used.

Ready to test these love-it-or-hate-it holiday trends in your own space? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the DecorMatters app</a> to design festive rooms, experiment with bold decor ideas, and plan your holiday styling before you decorate. Explore even more holiday inspiration and real home designs on our <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore" target="_blank">DecorMatters Explore page</a>.

UP NEXT: <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/10-winter-decorating-ideas-to-make-your-home-cozy-and-warm" target="_blank">24 Cozy Winter Decor Ideas to Warm Up Your Home This Season</a>

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Discover 6 controversial holiday decor trends you’ll either love or hate. Explore bold Christmas decorating ideas, minimalist holiday decor, supersized decorations, seasonal wallpaper, and more festive styling inspiration for your home.

Discover 6 controversial holiday decor trends you’ll either love or hate.

6 Holiday Styling Trends That You'll Either Love or Hate This Year

This fall, embrace the charm of the grandmillennial decor trend by layering heirloom elegance with fresh seasonal flair. From vintage brass candlesticks to vibrant velvet pumpkins, you’ll create a space that feels timeless yet perfectly on-trend for autumn. Let’s dive into seven decor ideas that bring warmth, sophistication and a hint of nostalgia to your home or client’s space.

Why the Grandmillennial Decor Look Works for Fall

Grandmillennial fall decor is where classic meets cozy — think your grandmother’s floral china styled with a modern twist. This <a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/8240244/grandmillennial-design-explainer" target="_blank">nostalgic trend blends vintage details</a>, ornate textures and soft patterns with a touch of fresh sophistication.

Fall is the perfect season to bring this aesthetic to life. The rich tones, layered textiles and cozy atmosphere all complement the grandmillennial design’s love for warmth and personality. Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing your living space or a designer staging a client’s entryway, this look adds character without feeling dated.

Start with what the grandmillennial fall decor palette does best — texture and color. Swap out lightweight summer fabrics for heavier, more tactile materials like velvet, jacquard and damask. Deep jewel tones — emerald, amber, plum and navy — are timeless yet distinctly autumnal.

You can incorporate these through throw pillows, window treatments or an upholstered ottoman. The idea is to create layers of comfort that look collected over time rather than coordinated in one shopping trip. Window treatments offer another opportunity to incorporate rich textiles into your fall decor. Combining shutters with drapery adds both texture and warmth to a room — essential elements for grandmillennial style. Interior shutters are also ideal for <a href="https://www.shutterscolorado.com/blog/get-interior-shutters-installed-house/" target="_blank">controlling light and temperature</a>, and adding a stylish touch of security to your windows. Consider adding side panels in floral chintz or paisley prints alongside practical shutters for a layered look that's both functional and fashionable.

2. Layer Heirloom Accents with Seasonal Touches

This is where the “grand” in the grandmillennial decorating style shines. Think china teacups, brass figurines, stacked hardcover books and ornate picture frames but add a fall spin. Tuck small pumpkins onto trays, weave faux eucalyptus around candlesticks or layer plaid runners over lace tablecloths for a charmingly eclectic look.

You can easily source heirloom-style décor from thrift stores, estate sales or even your own attic. The key is mixing textures and eras — not perfection, but personality.

3. Add Brass and Antique Metals for Warmth&nbsp;

No grandmillennial room is complete without a touch of gleaming metal. Brass, bronze and gold-toned finishes lend that sense of vintage opulence without feeling overdone. Fall décor is the perfect excuse to bring out your candleholders, serving trays or mirror frames in these finishes.

One of the most charming aspects of grandmillennial decorating style is its fearless use of pattern. Florals meet plaid, stripes mingle with toile — and somehow, it all feels intentional. This fall, try layering a floral chintz cushion with a tartan throw and a paisley rug beneath.

The trick is sticking to a cohesive color palette. For instance, if your base tones are muted blues and golds, ensure every pattern nods to those hues. The result is a lived-in, welcoming space that looks like it evolved through generations rather than a single shopping spree.

Grandmillennial style thrives on storytelling, and nothing tells a story like a carefully curated vignette. Use a console table, mantel or bookshelf to display family portraits, vintage botanical prints or ornate picture frames. Add dried florals, autumn leaves or a delicate lace runner to tie in that seasonal touch.

If you’re designing for clients, this is also a great way to personalize a space without overwhelming it. A simple tip is to <a href="https://www.thespruce.com/rule-of-thirds-interior-design-8732947" target="_blank">group décor items in odd numbers</a> for balance and visual flow.

Lighting can make or break your fall decorating ideas. The grandmillennial approach celebrates warmth, so go for layered lighting like a mix of table lamps, sconces and soft overhead fixtures. Choose warm white or amber tones that complement the season’s rich colors. Swap out old bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs that are longer-lasting and easy to find in a cozy glow temperature. It’s a simple, sustainable touch that makes your entire design feel complete.

How to Pull It All Together Without Blowing the Budget

Now that you’ve gathered your inspiration, it’s time to affordably bring your grandmillennial fall dream to life. The beauty of this design style lies in its collectability. You don’t need to overhaul your home. Instead, you just need to layer with intention.

Start by choosing two or three areas to focus on — maybe your entryway, living room or dining table. Then, incorporate a few high-impact items, such as a patterned table runner, velvet cushions or antique candlesticks. Check in-person and online <a href="https://renovated.com/decorate-on-a-budget-best-ways-to-strike-gold-at-a-thrift-store/" target="_blank">thrift stores for unique finds</a> and great deals.&nbsp;

Finally, swap your harsh bulbs for energy-saving LEDs to instantly warm up the mood and trim energy costs through the cooler months.

Fall is nature’s way of reminding us that change can be beautiful — and your décor can do the same. The grandmillennial style lets you celebrate nostalgia while keeping your home fresh, elegant and inviting. So, layer your patterns, light your candles and pull out Grandma’s tea set. Whether you’re designing for yourself or a client, these touches will make any space feel like a modern heirloom — warm, welcoming and wonderfully you.

Ready to bring your fall design ideas to life?

Download the <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">DecorMatters App</a> to explore thousands of grandmillennial-inspired interiors created by our community. Get inspired, decorate your dream home, and see what’s trending on our <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore" target="_blank">Explore Page</a>.

UP NEXT: <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/30-cozy-fall-decorating-ideas-to-transform-your-home-with-autumn-vibes" target="_blank">30 Cozy Fall Decorating Ideas to Transform Your Home with Autumn Vibes</a>

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Embrace the grandmillennial fall decor trend with vintage charm, warm colors, and heirloom-inspired details. Discover how to mix patterns, rich textiles, and antique accents for a cozy, timeless autumn home makeover.

6 Grandmillennial Fall Decor Ideas

Beds are important spaces. People spend a large chunk of their time sleeping in them or just lounging. Having a bed that is decorated and styled appropriately can <a href="https://decormatters.com/bedroom-design-app" target="_blank">transform a bedroom</a> from a place to sleep to a calming, comfortable oasis. Mistakes are common when styling a bed. Below are a few common ones with tips on how to fix them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Headboard and Bedframe

Some headboards seem out of place when their proportions aren’t taken into account. Make sure both the headboard and the bedframe match the proportions and overall aesthetic of the room. Headboards can <a href="https://renovated.com/diy-headboard-ideas/" target="_blank">make a space complete</a>, so it is essential to <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/home-design-tips-10-unique-headboard-ideas" target="_blank">choose the right one</a> when styling a bed. Match a wooden bedframe with the existing wood tones in the room’s desk or bookcase. The same goes for the headboard.

Everyone loves to use pillows when sprucing up a bed. This often leads to a lot of extra throw pillows, which can be frustrating for someone to have to remove just to get into bed. A good rule is to limit the amount of pillows to three or five. The pillows should also be different sizes and textures to match the aesthetic of the room. Build from the headboard out to create a nice pillow layout that is not excessive.&nbsp;

People often neglect the area surrounding the bed, especially the floor. Placing rugs underneath a bed adds another layer of texture and a new opportunity for decoration. When choosing a rug, make sure to measure it based on the size of the bed, leaving the rug <a href="https://shop.carpetmart.com/blog/choosing-the-right-rug-for-a-king-size-bed/" target="_blank">18-24 inches past the sides</a> of your bed. A rug can also be a great way to add color to an area that was previously neutral.&nbsp;

Bed skirts can also add style and flair to a bland bedframe. In addition, they hide any extra storage underneath the bed. Another option is to add a stylish bench to the end of the bed. It can be minimalist or hollow to <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/8-stylish-solutions-to-maximize-space-in-2025-small-bedroom-ideas" target="_blank">accommodate hidden storage</a>.&nbsp;

Sometimes, people make the mistake of using the same texture in each element — the pillows, sheets, duvet and so on. It is good to have multiple textures, such as pairing a knit comforter with a silk pillow or a fuzzy throw blanket with fleece sheets. Adding lots of texture can bring warmth and comfort to an otherwise dull-looking bed.

5. Not Considering Canopy Maintenance&nbsp;

Canopies can be a good addition to a bed area if they suit whoever sleeps there. People spend <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-understanding-sleep#:~:text=Babies%20initially%20sleep%20as%20much,a%20night%2C%20even%20older%20people." target="_blank">one-third of their lives sleeping</a>, so it’s important to feel cozy and secure in bed, and canopies can allow for more privacy if other people are coming and going from a bedroom. The coziness of a room can also be enhanced by a canopy.&nbsp;

However, canopies are an additional item that needs to be cleaned. Kids and pets can also get tangled or possibly rip the fabric. It is important to think about these things before adding a canopy to a bed.&nbsp;

Comforters are a great way to add personality. Unfortunately, people often miss out and just choose a comforter based on what matches instead of really thinking about the vibe they want it to give off. Make sure some thought is going into the choice of comforter. Duvets are great because they can easily be changed. Adding a throw blanket can make a certain color on the comforter pop as well.

Beds are places where people spend a lot of time. Putting thought into how the bed is styled is essential to making it a comfortable and peaceful place to rest at the end of the day. With just a few thoughtful adjustments, a bed can become a curated space that feels both personal and professionally styled.&nbsp;

Bring your dream bedroom to life in the <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">DecorMatters App</a> and discover endless inspiration from real designers on our <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore" target="_blank">Explore Page</a>.

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Pets bring endless love and joy, but any owner knows this bliss comes with a few trade-offs — muddy paw prints, shedding fur and scratched floors. Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice their aesthetic goals for their pet’s happiness. Here are eight smart strategies for designing a harmonious home that works for every family member.

1. Choose Durable, Stain-Resistant Materials

Pets can bring in dirt, and their claws can wreck floors and furniture. Investing in materials that can withstand wear and still look amazing is key. Hardwood flooring with a tough polyurethane finish is a smart choice, as it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014305724006827" target="_blank">offers excellent resistance to wear</a> and corrosion. Pet parents can skip delicate fabrics and prioritize home additions that resist spills and stains, such as microfiber.&nbsp;

Aging pets require extra care. If a dog struggles to hop onto the sofa or a cat needs a gentle boost, a piece of pet-friendly furniture can be of huge help. Homeowners must choose couches or beds that are lower to the ground to minimize jumping distance. They can also put steps or ramps next to favored lounging spots. Orthopedic bed options can help animals with joint pains and injuries to sleep more soundly.

An outdoor, cozy doghouse to sleep in is ideal for those with a dog that has a litter or a pup who enjoys being outdoors. If there isn’t enough outdoor space, the area under the staircase or a large laundry room cabinet is a great alternative. Pet parents can also swap a wire crate for a stunning furniture-style version that functions as a stylish end table or console.&nbsp;

Wall-mounted skywalks and tunnels can excite feline friends. It’s a game-changer for high-energy cats — and even small dogs — to keep them off countertops. This instantly gives a space a modern, interactive feel. Functional decor additions, such as sisal rope and carpet squares, provide added grip and scratching resistance.

Tripping over pets’ food and water bowls can be a frustrating experience. A clever pull-out drawer that can be slid out at mealtime is the key to a clutter-free area. Dedicating the bottom drawer of a kitchen island or installing one large enough to hold everything is a smart solution. The mudroom’s low cabinet can also serve as bowl storage.

Select pet-safe greenery to create a vibrant and worry-free environment. Before purchasing anything, pet owners should check the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals list for toxicity information. Hydrangeas, azaleas and lantana <a href="https://renovated.com/pet-friendly-houseplants/" target="_blank">can cause mild symptoms</a> like stomach upset. Safe options include spider plant, Boston fern and Christmas cactus.

Using a pet’s coat as a decor palette can simplify the cleaning routine. Choosing rugs, throw pillows and a sofa in a shade that’s similar to the animal companion’s fur can camouflage shedding. This hack provides a cleaner look and can help prevent the need for frequent vacuuming. A homeowner with a golden retriever can opt for beige or tan. A multi-toned or tweed fabric is a great choice for a calico cat.

Designing With Condo or Homeowners Association (HOA) Pet Policies in Mind&nbsp;

Living in a condo or apartment often comes with strict rules. These policies are designed to ensure a peaceful environment for all residents, but they can impact how you design your home for your pets. For instance, condominium tenants <a href="https://www.calalaw.com/blog/what-condominium-owners-should-know-about-the-changing-pet-policy-landscape-and-applicable-laws/" target="_blank">must sign a pet agreement</a>, which comes with restrictions like:

In some communities, breeds such as the <a href="https://www.dogsbite.org/legislating-dangerous-dogs-restricted-breed-faq.php" target="_blank">pit bull and Rottweiler are prohibited</a>, as their attacks often result in severe injuries. Additionally, many HOAs have the legal authority to <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hoa.asp" target="_blank">enforce community policies about pets</a> and property modification. Such rules may restrict pet parents from making structural changes, such as installing pet doors and built-in kennels. Moreover, rentals require you to return the unit to its original condition. This means things like wall-to-wall skywalks are often off-limits.

Tenants must focus on non-permanent improvements. Instead of building a food drawer, consider buying a console table with an open shelf that can accommodate the bowls. Choose floor-to-ceiling towers or multilevel, stable pieces that require no drilling for your pet’s skywalks. Designing with condo, rental or HOA rules in mind can help maximize space and create a more harmonious living environment.

Designing a pet-friendly home is a fun and adventurous experience. Pet parents or aspiring ones can use these ideas to transform their space, where they and their furry friends can live their best lives together.

Ready to design a pet-friendly home you’ll love? Plan rooms, test layouts, and style spaces in minutes with <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">the DecorMatters app</a>. For fresh inspiration, <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore" target="_blank">explore interior design ideas</a>.

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Create a stylish, pet-friendly home with durable, stain-resistant materials, low-profile furniture, cozy dens, cat skywalks, pull-out feeding stations, safe plants, and HOA-ready upgrades—smart design ideas for dogs and cats in any space.

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