Interior Design Lessons I Learned This Year (What Actually Worked in a Real Home)
This year brought lots of changes and with that, I learned a few things on my Interior Design journey. Living in a real, busy home (as a mom, not just a designer) forced me to get honest about what actually works long-term versus what simply looks good for a photo.
I learned that the most beautiful homes aren’t the most styled ones, they’re the ones that feel calm, functional, and easy to live in (for your own family preferences). Below are the biggest interior design lessons I learned this year, the things that truly made my home better, and what I’m carrying into the new year.
Lesson 1: Lighting Matters More Than Almost Anything Else
If I had to pick one upgrade that made the biggest impact this year, it would be lighting. Not statement fixtures — but layered, warm lighting that makes a home feel cozy and welcoming.
What worked:
Battery-operated picture lights over built-ins and art
Table lamps in places most people don’t think about (entryways, consoles, dining area)
Warm bulbs instead of bright white
Once the lighting felt right, the rooms instantly felt more finished — even without adding more decor.
Lesson 2: Fewer Decor Pieces = A Calmer Home
I stopped trying to fill every surface and empty space. The result, my home felt better almost immediately.
Instead of constantly adding new decor, I focused on:
Intentional statement pieces
Neutral foundational items that work year-round and that I can decorate around for seasonal decor
Leaving empty spaces so my rooms could breathe
Less visual clutter made my home feel calmer, and as a busy mom, easier to maintain.
Lesson 3: Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring, But I Also Like a Touch of Color
This year reinforced that warm neutrals are anything but boring when they’re layered correctly.
What actually worked:
Mixing textures (linen, wood, ceramic, brass)
Using subtle contrast instead of bold color, like these throw pillows from Amazon, and these cozy, green, boucle chairs
Letting greenery and natural materials add interest, like these best selling moss bowl fillers
Neutral spaces can feel timeless, flexible, and easier to refresh seasonally without starting over.
Lesson 4: Function Always Wins in the Long Run
I’m all about beauty and function. If something isn’t functional for me, it won’t last, no matter how pretty it is.
I learned to ask:
Is this easy to clean?
Will this still work in six months?
Does this make daily life easier or harder?
Designing with function in mind didn’t make my home less beautiful, it made it more livable.
Lesson 5: Collected Over Time Feels Better Than Perfect
Some of my favorite spots in my home aren’t styled, they have just evolved over the years.
What that looked like:
Mixing old pieces with new finds
Using everyday items as decor (cutting boards, trays, baskets) especially in my kitchen
Letting rooms slowly come together instead of forcing a finished look
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no space is ever completely “finished”. I want my home to feel live-in in, not final.
What I’m Carrying Into the New Year
Prioritizing lighting before decor
Choosing warmth and cozy over trends
Buying intentionally instead of frequently
Designing for real life function for my family, not perfection
My goal going into the New Year is simple: create a home that feels calm, cozy, and functional for my family, without overthinking everything!
Interior design doesn’t need to be complicated to be beautiful. This year taught me that the best homes are the ones that support real life — messes, routines, and all.
If you’re heading into the new year wanting your home to feel better instead of just look different, start small. Focus on lighting, function and creating intentional spaces for your family. Everything else will follow.
