Tips My Mom Taught Me About Home Decor & Design

I probably would have never even gotten into home design if it wasn’t for my mom. She has turned my childhood home into the most inviting, cozy, beach chic haven that you think would only exist in your dreams. Mom just has that eye for design that so many wish for- she knows instantly what pieces go where and instantly knows when something looks out of place. She has also been a MAJOR contribution to why the little chateau looks the way that it does. And Homegoods is our sweet escape; it’s like going on vacation when we are able to take a little trip to our local Homegoods; always coming home with souvenirs we may not really need. Here are a few of the tips my mom has taught me along the way.

Mama, this post is dedicated to you- I love you with my whole heart!

1. FINGER TIP TOWELS

   I had never for the life of me heard of this term, but apparently I should have started using these for years. So, you know that little rack you have near your bathroom sink where you nicely fold two towels next to each other? To keep these perfectly fluff, clean and presentable, skip wiping your hands on those and place a finger tip towel (bigger than a face cloth) folded on your sink to quickly dry your hands. This will keep your nicely folded towels, NICELY FOLDED. ALL THE TIME.

2. LESS IS MORE

   Sometimes I look back at the layout of my dining room or living room from 2 years back and say WHAT WAS I THINKING- too mas, too mas. Minimalize. Chances are, all of the 18 pieces of decor you’re going to spot at Homegoods is not going to vibe well together; especially when it is a lot of small decor.

3. HEIGHT IS YOUR FRIEND

   This is important, everyone. If you have no variety of heights in your living space, your room will just look…. blah. This means: plants elevated on top of stands, mixed heights of frames, stacking those books, you get that point. Also, this goes for hanging frames one walls: the lower you hang your frames, the smaller your floor-to-ceiling height will appear. Eye level and above, baby!

4. HANG YOUR CURTAINS UP HIGH

   Even if they are above your window frame- and I’m talking even a full foot above your frame, this will make your room look larger and taller. And make sure they are draping on the ground or just touching the ground— curtains that are too short are like when guys wear ties that don’t touch the top of their pant line.

5. KARATE CHOP THOSE PILLOWS

   Just do it. Thank my mom later.

6. SOAP IN A SPRAY BOTTLE

   Dilute your dish soap with a little bit of water and pour that baby into a nice, little handy dandy spray bottle. You’ll use less soap, but still get a better result- meaning, you wont have to restock your soap more often than you need.

7. SLIP COVER COUCHES, ALWAYS

   I will never, ever, ever, ever get a couch that doesn’t have a slip cover on it. Hold me to my word. Part of the reason being I love white couches- and when you like white couches, you just have to be extra careful of what you’re eating on it. That’s why; when it’s a slip cover- bada bing, bada boom that baby gets tossed right into the wash when it needs it.