As people approach their 30s, they often want a more settled and stylish living environment. This desire for a more refined space can spark a renewed interest in home decor. Interior designer Candace Rimes notes that turning 30 can be a catalyst for dramatic life changes, as individuals start to turn their dreams into reality and invest their time, money, and energy more wisely.
Rimes believes that this newfound sense of self should be reflected in one’s interior style. To achieve this, it’s essential to understand the principles of good home decor. We asked 10 interior designers for their tips on what everyone should know before they turn 30.
According to Justina Blakeney, incorporating vintage items into your home can give it a timeless look. Trends may come and go, but vintage pieces can add a unique touch to any room. When it comes to mirrors, Nick Gagne advises going big, as they can reflect light and enhance the space.
Joe Berkowitz of JAB Design Group suggests selecting area rugs that are too big rather than too small. A large rug can spill over into other spaces and still feel appropriate, whereas a small one can look out of place. Berkowitz also recommends trying to have at least the front legs of all pieces sitting on the rug when selecting one for a seating area.
Justina Blakeney emphasizes the importance of investing in furniture and decor made from natural materials. Pieces like a dining table made of reclaimed wood or a side table with a marble top can withstand the test of time and be used in different spaces. Natural materials are hearty and can endure a lot of wear and tear if properly cared for.
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Displaying collections can be beautiful, but clutter can kill a space. Lyndsay Caleo Karol of The Brooklyn Home Company recommends selecting furniture pieces that offer storage, such as side tables, armoires, or other case pieces, to keep things tidy. Investing in beautiful boxes, baskets, or crates can also help keep a space feeling fresh.
In the middle of our lives, as we transition into a more stable era, it’s natural to reassess our living spaces and consider how they reflect our values and personalities. As we invest in our homes, we’re not just buying furniture and decor; we’re creating a space that represents who we are and what we care about. This process of self-reflection and intentional design can be a powerful way to cultivate a sense of identity and belonging.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard suggests painting a large piece of paper and fixing it to a wall to test how a color looks in different lighting conditions. This can help avoid the mistake of painting a room in a color that looks good on the chart but bad on the walls.
When it comes to choosing paint colors or decorating, neutrals and textures can stand the test of time. Nicholas G Potts, a designer and architect, advises against painting ceilings white, instead opting for a monochromatic palette to create an all-encompassing mood for a room.
Justina Blakeney believes that wallpaper is a great way to get color and pattern in small spaces, creating visual impact without being overbearing. If wallpaper feels like too much of a commitment, a large piece of art with bold color and pattern can be a good alternative.
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Lauren Sands of LES Collection suggests commissioning work from favorite artists, as many emerging artists love the chance to work one-on-one with a collector to create the perfect piece. Candace Rimes advises starting to build an art collection early, as it can be a great way to tell your story and add personality to a space.
When hanging a series of artworks, Rimes recommends hanging them at eye level and not spacing them more than a few inches apart. Nick Gagne believes that less clutter makes a room feel larger and calmer, and that spatial planning is essential in making sure furniture, rugs, lighting, and accessories are the right scale and provide proper spacing.
Martyn Lawrence Bullard emphasizes the importance of scale in interior design, learning how to balance furniture sizes in a room. Using paper templates in the space to judge the correct scale can be a great decorating trick to avoid buying something too large or small. Keren Richter of White Arrow notes that spatial planning is essential in making sure furniture, rugs, lighting, and accessories are the right scale and provide proper spacing for you and your guests to move about a room.
They also recommend considering the construction loans that can help finance your building project, making it easier to achieve your desired home decor.
