Tips For Designing Your Home You'll Love

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or settling into a new home with a growing family, creating a space that feels comfortable and inspiring is essential. While it’s tempting to want everything “finished” immediately, take your time. Live in your new layout, observe how you function in the space, and explore these expert interior design tips for designing a home you’ll love.

Sara Leah Interiors

Plan It Out: Start with a plan. Think carefully about the scale of your furniture in relation to the proportions of the room. Will your new sofa overwhelm the space? Does your dining table allow for easy flow of movement around it? Poor planning often leads to the most costly design mistakes. Choose pieces in proportion to the room, balance visual weight, and—most importantly—give your furniture space to breathe. Avoid pushing everything against the walls. Proportion and scale are the foundation of great design.

Edit and Curate: Bring in cherished items that tell your story, but be selective. A few meaningful or impactful pieces add character; too many can clutter and dilute their effect. The same “less is more” philosophy applies everywhere—organized cabinets, clutter-free countertops, and hidden wiring all contribute to a cleaner, more intentional look. Not sure where to begin? Create a focal point. Choosing those special, standout pieces helps define your design style and brings harmony to the entire home.

Sara Leah Interiors

Light It Up: Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools—and one of the most overlooked. Both natural and artificial light influence mood, highlight focal points, and set the tone of a space.

Layered lighting is key: ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting supports daily activities, and accent lighting adds drama and visual interest. Beyond aesthetics, good lighting even supports wellness by helping regulate circadian rhythm.

Care For Your Home: One of the most essential (and often forgotten) design tips is to care for your space. Over time, it’s easy to lose appreciation for what you’ve created as daily routines take over. Keep things simple and manageable. A home should feel beautiful but also comfortable to maintain. When you care for your space, you ensure it continues to feel fresh, welcoming, and inspiring—every day of the week.

Designing a home isn’t about perfection on day one—it’s about creating a space that grows with you, supports your lifestyle, and reflects who you are. With thoughtful planning, curated pieces, layered lighting, and ongoing care, you’ll have a home you’re not just proud of, but truly excited to live in.