The dining room is where memories are made, but figuring out how to decorate those blank walls can be a little tricky. You might feel stuck on where to even begin, but with a few clever design tricks, you can easily turn that blank canvas into a space that feels special and inviting. Let’s dive in and elevate your dining room!

01 |. Try a Layer of Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to add instant texture and pattern to your walls. You can create a classic, upscale look by choosing a paper with a bold pattern and a subtle color, like a neutral gray, cream, brown or sage green. Sticking to these softer colors adds so much visual interest without overwhelming the space, and it can make your dining room feel more sophisticated and put-together.

02 |. Go with Oversized Art

A single, large piece of framed art is a classic choice for a reason: it instantly creates a focal point. When you center one big piece behind the dining table, it can modernize the entire space and make a huge statement. A large piece of art works especially well on a wall that has no architectural details, as it will really draw the eye in.

The good news is, you don't need a massive budget to do this. You can get that same look for a lot less by taking a big piece of wallpaper and framing it yourself. It's an easy way to get a custom-looking piece of art that doesn't cost a lot.

03 |. Create a Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a great way to personalize your dining room, and they are just such an easy way to decorate a large, blank wall. You can use a collection of different photos or art prints to tell a story or display a curated collection. For a clean and polished look, you can use a symmetrical arrangement, all the same type of frame, and a consistent color palette, like with black and white photos. For a more impactful statement, use oversized frames to create a bold, clustered arrangement. 

04 |. Place an Oversized Mirror

A large mirror is a smart design trick for a dining room. It helps bounce light around the space and can make it feel much bigger than it is. You can either hang it on the wall or simply lean it against the wall to get the same effect. Scale is key here—a large mirror can be a statement piece all on its own. Mirrors come in a huge variety of shapes and styles, so it’s easy to find one that fits the look of your room.

05 |. Add Wall Sconces

Wall-mounted lighting is a great way to add a functional and beautiful design element to your walls. Wall sconces can create a stylish focal point without taking up any floor or table space. Plus, with a lot of new battery-operated and rechargeable options available, you don't even have to worry about hardwiring them. Sconces provide a warm, ambient light that can make a dining room feel so cozy and inviting.

06 |. Consider Millwork or Paneling

Millwork, like wainscoting or paneling, adds so much texture and interest to walls without needing a lot of extra art or decor. This is a great choice if you want a calmer, more monochromatic look while still making the walls feel special. Paneling can give your dining room a polished, custom feel. You can even find peel-and-stick options that mimic the look of real paneling, which makes it a simple DIY project.

07 |. Match Curtains to Wallpaper

This is a clever trick for creating a seamless and sophisticated look in your dining room. When you match your curtains to the pattern or color of your wallpaper, it makes the entire wall feel more cohesive and expansive. It creates a smooth, continuous line that makes the space feel complete. It's an easy way to achieve a high-end, custom look without a lot of extra effort.

08 |.  Add Texture and Shape with Decorative Items

For a truly personal and unique look, you can decorate with things that add texture and shape to your walls. A great way to do this is by hanging woven items like rattan and wicker baskets or even embroidered pieces, which instantly bring warmth and a natural feel to the space. You can arrange them in a gallery wall or cluster them together for a dimensional look. Or, if you want to try something different, you can also hang decorative plates. They add a classic look with their unique shapes, patterns, and colors. You can easily find these kinds of items on a budget at thrift stores.

09 |. Hang a Rug or Tapestry

This is a clever and unique idea that can add so much warmth and personality to your dining room. A beautiful rug or tapestry on the wall instantly adds a huge amount of texture and can serve as a soft, inviting focal point. It can also help to absorb sound, which makes the room feel more comfortable and quiet during meals.

10 |. Add Stacked Open Shelving

Wall-mounted ledges or shelving can be a chic and functional way to decorate your dining room walls. You can use these shelves to display a mix of art and functional items, like your best glassware. By stacking a few of them on a wall, you create an organized, stylish display that adds a lot of personality without feeling cluttered. This is especially good for those who want a flexible way to change up their decor.

11 |. Consider a Wall Mural

A mural is a fantastic way to make a bold, immediate statement in a dining room. They can instantly transform a wall, creating a dramatic focal point that serves as the backdrop for all your gatherings. You can find murals in a variety of styles, from simple, artistic patterns to lush, scenic designs that make the room feel much larger. A lot of these are available as peel-and-stick wallpaper now, which makes them super easy to apply and remove if you ever want to change things up.

12 |. Use Wall-Mounted Wine Racks

This is a fun and functional idea for a dining room. Wall-mounted wine racks can act as both a storage solution and a decorative element. By getting your wine bottles off the counter and onto the wall, you add a sophisticated, almost swanky feel to the space while also freeing up valuable surface area.

If you've ever wondered how to make a small bedroom feel bigger and more comfortable, it's totally doable! You don't need a full-on renovation or a massive budget to make your space feel open and airy. You just need to focus on a few smart design choices and some clever tricks. Let's get into it and transform your bedroom into a place you truly love.

01 |. Measure Your Room First

Before you even think about buying a single piece of furniture, you need to understand the dimensions of your space. Grab a tape measure and get the exact dimensions of your space. Measure your walls, the height of your ceilings, and the size and location of your windows and doors. 

Having these numbers handy will help you so much because it means you can choose furniture that fits perfectly, which will save you a ton of time and prevent you from making costly mistakes. Plus, it helps you plan a layout that gives you enough room to walk around comfortably.

02 |. Use the Color Drench Technique

This is one of the designer's  favorite tricks for making a room look and feel more expensive. Color drenching is when you paint everything in the room the exact same color— the walls, the trim, the baseboards, and the ceiling. 

By painting all the surfaces one consistent shade, you get rid of all the visual stops and starts, and it makes the room feel so much more seamless and expansive. It creates this beautifully soft, unified space that just feels peaceful and quiet.

03 |. Hang Your Curtains High

When curtains are hung as high as they can go—all the way up to the ceiling—it instantly draws the eye upward. This makes windows look bigger and the entire room feel taller and more dramatic.

You can also match the color of the curtains to the wall color. It makes everything blend together and creates a long, continuous line from floor to ceiling that makes the space feel so much bigger.

04 |. Choose Furniture with the Right Scale

The scale of your furniture is probably the most important thing to get right in a small room. If you bring in a massive bed or a super bulky dresser, it will make the space feel cramped and overcrowded. Instead, you want to choose furniture that's the right size for the room. 

A queen bed is usually a good option, or if you're working with a really small space, a daybed can be a lifesaver. And always choose a bed frame that's on legs. It makes the space underneath visible, which gives your room an open and airy feeling.

05 |. Use a Cohesive Color Scheme

A unified color palette makes a room feel less cluttered and more simplified. By choosing colors that work together, you allow the eye to move around the space without interruption, which makes it feel larger.

You can achieve this by using similar colors on your walls, bedding, and accessories. If you decide to use a darker color on the walls, you can use that same color for your furniture and decor to create a seamless, sophisticated look.

06 |. Put a Dresser in the Closet

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This is a clever trick to get a large piece of furniture off your main floor space. If you have a closet with an empty floor, you can place a dresser right inside. It’s a genius way to use every single square inch of your space effectively without sacrificing any storage.

By moving the dresser out of the way, you free up so much room in your bedroom, making it feel way more open and spacious.

For a complete guide on how to do this, check out this article.

07 |. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture

In a small space, every piece of furniture should be working overtime. Using furniture that serves more than one purpose really helps with clutter and gives a lot more storage. Think about getting a bed with built-in storage underneath, or a dresser that can also act as a nightstand.

A desk that doubles as a vanity or a console table is another great option. This is how you make a small room truly functional without it feeling overcrowded.

08 |. Hang Wall-Mounted Fixtures

This is a great way to open up floor and surface space. Instead of a bulky table lamp, you can go with a wall-mounted sconce or even a hanging pendant light. This frees up so much space on your nightstand.

You can also use wall-mounted shelves instead of a traditional nightstand to create more visual space underneath and allow you to place your bed closer to the wall.

09 |. Use Mirrors to Create Space

Mirrors are a classic tool for making a room feel bigger. They reflect light and create a sense of depth, which tricks the eye into seeing more space. For the best effect, you can place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light throughout the room. You can also place mirrors above nightstands or a headboard to add light and dimension.

 10 |. Keep It Simple and Organized

A cluttered room will always feel smaller than it actually is. It just makes the space feel chaotic. To make your bedroom feel open and inviting, you have to be intentional about keeping surfaces clean and organized. 

You can reduce clutter by minimizing the number of decor items on your dresser and nightstands. For the little things you need to keep out, just put them on a small tray to group them together. And of course, use drawers, baskets, and storage boxes to hide away anything that doesn't need to be on display.

Have you ever walked into a kitchen and wondered how it looks so polished and put-together without a massive price tag?

The secret is a series of strategic, budget-friendly updates that can completely transform a space. You don't need a full demolition to give your kitchen new life. By focusing on smart DIY projects and clever styling, you can achieve a sophisticated, renovated look for a fraction of the cost.

We've compiled 13 of the most impactful tips from design experts to help you create a space you'll love spending time in.

01|. Refresh Your Cabinets with Paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most powerful and affordable changes you can make. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that if your kitchen has dated wood cabinets, you can paint them a cool, dark tone to create a modern contrast. 

You could also lean into the "color drenching" trend by painting the cabinets, walls, and trim all in the same shade for a seamless, high-end look. This is a simple weekend project that provides a massive visual impact.

02|. Update Your Hardware

Don't underestimate the power of new knobs, pulls, and handles. Upgrading your cabinet hardware is an easy, high-impact change that requires no renovation. According to Claire Garner, Director at Claire Garner Design Studio, replacing hardware with timeless options like brass can instantly refresh the space. Choosing a sleek matte black or an antique brass finish can make old cabinets feel brand new.

03|. Add Seating to Define Your Space

Even a small kitchen can benefit from a touch of extra furniture. If you have a kitchen island or peninsula, adding a couple of stylish stools can instantly create a cozy breakfast nook or a casual spot for guests to gather. 

For a larger space, a small cafe table or a narrow bench can anchor the room and add a layer of warmth and functionality, making the kitchen feel more like a living area than just a workspace.

 04.| Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

A new backsplash can provide a huge visual pop, and you don’t have to spend a fortune on tile. According to Julie Gokce, Senior Designer at More Kitchens, peel-and-stick tiles or waterproof panels are a DIY-friendly upgrade that costs a fraction of traditional tilework. 

These come in a variety of styles that can mimic expensive materials like marble or subway tile, giving your kitchen an instant upgrade.

05.| Create a Statement Ceiling

While you're looking up, consider giving your ceiling a makeover. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that a statement ceiling can completely transform a room, and it's often a small expense. Whether you opt for a bold paint color, peel-and-stick wallpaper, or wood paneling, this unexpected design element adds a custom feel to the space. 

You can also add simple molding or trim to the edges of the ceiling to give the space an even more finished and high-end look.

06.| Hide a Kitchen Eyesore with a Curtain

Sometimes, the simplest tricks are the most effective. In a recent Instagram video, DIY pro Samantha Broughman shared a clever and budget-friendly tip to instantly transform the look of a kitchen by hiding a range hood with a curtain. As seen in her reel, you just need a tension rod and a small curtain to completely conceal the hood, creating an instant cozy, cottagecore aesthetic. 

Broughman suggests sourcing the items from a thrift store for even greater savings. If you choose this DIY, be sure to never leave your stove unattended while in use, as the curtain will be near a heat source.

07.| Use Under-Cabinet Lighting

Under-cabinet lighting is a small update that provides a huge return on investment. According to James, an expert mentioned in Country Living, installing LED strips or puck lights beneath your cabinets is a simple yet powerful upgrade. This not only enhances task lighting but also helps to create a sophisticated ambiance in the evenings, giving your kitchen a luxurious feel.

When choosing your lighting, opt for a warm light with a color temperature of 2700K to 3000K. Avoid stark white or cool-toned lights above 4000K, which can make your kitchen feel clinical and uninviting.

08.| Add Open Shelving

Removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelving is a popular and affordable update. Victoria Robinson, a style and trend expert at Hillarys, says this allows you to display your favorite dishware, cookbooks, or decorative glass jars, making everyday items accessible and adding personality to the space.

For a clean, curated look, you can also group similar items or stick to a consistent color palette, ensuring the display feels intentional rather than cluttered.

09.| Go Big with Lighting

Have you ever walked into a home and wondered how it looks so polished and put-together? 

The secret isn’t always a high price tag. Designers have a few go-to tricks that create a luxurious, custom feel without requiring a full renovation. So today we've compiled 10 of our favorite tips, based on advice from interior design pros, that will instantly elevate your home. Let's dive right in!

01.| Upgrade Your Lighting and Hardware

Switching out the basic fixtures and hardware that come standard in most homes is a high-impact, low-cost update. As interior designer Amy Konarzycki of Studio AK notes, builder-grade features like bland lighting and hardware can be instantly improved by choosing items with more personality. 

Consider a new statement light fixture or simple yet elegant sconces to update a room’s ambiance. You can also easily swap out cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and even light switches with options in a sleek metal finish like antique brass or black to make your home look more expensive.

02|. Create the Illusion of Higher Ceilings

Soaring ceilings are a key feature in expensive homes, but you can fake this look in a smaller space. By hanging curtain rods closer to the ceiling and opting for long, flowing drapes, you can create the illusion of a taller ceiling. This simple tweak draws the eye upward, giving the room a grander and more spacious feel.

Simple linen or cotton fabrics work best for creating an organic texture that feels high-end without being over-the-top.

03|. Layer Your Bedding and Textiles

In the bedroom, a simple trick to make the space feel more luxurious is to layer your bedding. Both Dorothy McGhee of McGhee Studios and Amy Konarzycki recommend combining crisp sheets, fluffy duvets, and cozy throws. The key is to add different textures and weights to create a rich, inviting look. This layering technique instantly makes a bed feel more plush, just like in a high-end hotel. 

To take this a step further, consider layering your pillows as well. Adding a mix of pillow sizes, from standard sleeping pillows to a few decorative shams, instantly elevates the look and creates a more professional, designer-made feel.