10 Decorating Secrets I Learned from Designers That They Usually Never Share

After four years as a model tenant, I finally got the green light to decorate our one-bedroom rental however I wanted. As long as any changes can be reversed once we move out, the sky is the limit.

I know exactly what kind I want to accomplish in redecorating: a bright and airy, yet warm and welcoming home. One that is soothing to spend time in, while also showing our love for nature and travel aesthetically.

And with the help of these ten inside secrets from expert interior designers, my apartment will look like my mood board in no time.

Create a Cohesive Color Scheme

I spoke to Aino Heinäsuo, head of design at Redecor, and she spilled that the key to an airy but cozy space is muted, light tones.

She suggested I consider a color scheme that blends neutrals with a few bold hues, softer pastels, or natural tones like sage green.

With gray floors and beige walls as my base, the colors I'm adding to the apartment will need to bring warmth and softness while increasing natural light in the space as much as possible. I'm definitely heeding her advice!

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Choose a Chameleon Wall Color

Dan Mazzarini, the principal and creative director of BHDM Design advises starting with a neutral, light color on the walls—but not necessarily white.

He recommends Calm by Benjamin Moore: an off-white paint color that can feel warm or cool, depending on the room.

"I call colors like this 'chameleons'—they adapt to the other colors and tones in the room," he explains. "With this neutral base on the walls, you can experiment with other muted tones as relaxing accents in the room.”

Incorporate Color in an Understated Way

Designer Nina Lichtenstein suggests swapping out neutral accents for ones in soft pastels or muted earthy tones.

"These colors add a gentle vibrancy without overwhelming the space," she says.

Keeping the colors in my home's palette in furnishings that can easily be swapped out means I can easily adjust the balance between the blues, greens, and pinks as the seasons change.

"Keep the walls a bright, cheerful neutral, and let your textiles and art bring the color and character," designer Samantha Tosti of Tosti Design adds.

Intentionally Mix Materials

I have always stuck with an all-neutral color scheme in my decor, but one thing I have learned is that neutral does not have to mean boring.

Heinäsuo's next secret was one I was excited to hear: a neutral space can be interesting, as long as you mix textures.

"Combine different materials and textures to achieve a harmonious and balanced aesthetic," she recommends. "This interplay of textures adds depth and visual interest to your space."

Build Warmth with Textiles

It was difficult to feel comforted and cozy in a space with cold wood flooring, and the addition of a great area rug in my living room has already made my home so much more inviting.

To make every room feel just as welcoming, Tosti suggests incorporating textiles even further.

"I like to bring in lots of rugs, which can add texture and depth to a room," she shares. "Window coverings and DIY curtains also go a long way in elevating an otherwise bland space."

Layer, Layer, Layer

Much like Tosti does through her rug technique, Lichtenstein loves to layer all sorts of soft furnishings in similar tones to create a soothing, snuggly atmosphere— which is exactly what you want for a cozy bedroom.

She suggests choosing a duvet cover and pillow shams in calming colors that complement your overall color scheme. Then, add a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for an extra layer of comfort and style.

Bring Personality Through Artwork

Although I have permission to hang up as many frames and items on a gallery wall as I'd like, I still want to be mindful of causing minimal damage while decorating.

It's important that every piece of wall decor in our apartment feels intentional, and tells the story of the amazing places we've lived and traveled.

"Look for items that will remind you of a trip, or a memory, or that have an interesting story," Tosti says. "This will evoke happy thoughts as you live every day in the space."

Get Nature-Inspired

My apartment's new color palette is completely based on elements in nature: light blue for the sea and sky, green for flourishing flora, and soft pinks for sunsets and shells.

According to Lichtenstein, more natural storage and decor pieces to complement the soft furnishings will bring the nature-inspired look to the next level.

She thinks I should choose a variety of indoor plants to add life to my space and bring the outside in through accessories. Think: a woven basket for magazines, a ceramic vase with fresh flowers, wooden bowls, and repurposed seashells to enhance the overall theme.

Add an Accent Wall

"If you do want to add some color to the wall, a statement wall is key," Tosti suggests. "It allows you to bring in some color without overwhelming the entire space"

Sticking with Tosti's advice of using paint over wallpaper, I will be painting an accent limewash wall in sky blue behind our bed, complete with a cozy headboard in an organic, irregular shape reminiscent of a cloud.

Shake Up Some Fixtures

The last pro-secret? Swapping out standard light fixtures for those with a bit more character, Lichtenstein suggests.

This piece of advice also goes hand-in-hand with one of my other favorite renter-friendly upgrades: switching out kitchen cabinet handles. These two seemingly small changes can make a world of a difference, and help a house feel truly like a home.