Consider this your cheat sheet for designing the most beautiful space imaginable.

Consider this your cheat sheet for designing the most beautiful space imaginable. Not Varying Furniture Heights The easiest trick is to think of your space as a city and fill it with a combination of heights and proportions. Look at any cityscape and you’ll find this intriguing mix of scale and a unique blend of fascinating shapes—that’s what you want to nail!

Using Dark Furniture in Small Spaces While it might seem like a harmless choice, dark décor instantly makes a room feel cramped and cumbersome.

Choosing the Wrong Rug Size As a rule of thumb, a rug should be big enough to fit at least two chairs or sofa legs on it.

Hanging Art at the Wrong Level Position artwork in an unexpected, subtle location and follow Humphrey’s hanging tip: “Eye-level or so is a good starting point, and I always err on the lower side of that.”

Overdoing Design Trends Push trends aside and make design choices based on your personal aesthetic to create a space that you’ll love for years to come.

Not Measuring the Room Measure every nook and cranny. Always map out your space before committing to décor.

Not Prioritizing Greenery Add a few low-maintenance indoor plants or trees.

Arranging Furniture Flush Against a Wall Try “conversational furniture placement,” which focuses on grouping accents. Pull pieces toward one another and off the walls to create more intimate, useful seating