We all want our homes to be aesthetically pleasing to us, so if you’re less than impressed with a room in your home, it’s important to find out why and how to make it right. You’ll often discover the challenge is common and simple to remedy, like finding a new area rug.

Our talented team of designers at White House Designs for Life shares how you can fix these design mistakes easily.
1. You Need a Larger Area Rug
High-quality area rugs can come with higher prices, but they can pay for themselves over time. When you purchase a large, high-quality area rug, you know you’re getting a well-made rug with superior fabrics and materials. The right rug can serve as a focal point in a room or complement the existing décor while letting another piece of furniture have the spotlight.
A tiny rug will visually break your room into pieces, making it appear smaller than it is, while a large rug doesn’t. There are a couple of ways to rectify this issue:
- Get the largest rug your room will accommodate. If you have six inches of space between your rug and the room’s perimeter to define the area rug, bigger is always better.
- Purchase a small rug you can’t live without and a larger, budget-friendly one to layer underneath. Layered looks add another dimension of depth and texture to a room, and that’s always a good choice.
2. You Need a New Furniture Layout
Unless you’re an experienced interior designer, figuring out how to arrange your living room furniture can be tricky. Much like the area rug conundrum, spreading your furniture too far apart breaks up the room and robs it of any intimate conversation invitations.
Use our furniture layout guide to help you pull the space together:
- Sofas should be less than 18” away from your coffee table.
- Chair pairs can be as close together as 4” apart, no more than 12”.
- Walking paths need to be between 24-36”.
- Spaces between chairs and sofas should be less than an arm’s length from the coffee table or a side table.
3. You Have Insufficient Lighting
A poorly lit room can feel cold and unwelcoming. An overhead light casts a bright spot directly around it, leaving the room dim. Layers of light bring warmth to a space and make the entirety of it usable for socializing and enjoying.
A good rule of thumb is to have two or three light sources in addition to an overhead fixture or chandelier. Mix it with:
- Floor lamps.
- Table lamps.
- Track lighting.
- Sconces.
Contact Interior Designers Near Wayne and Fairfield, New Jersey
Creating a space you enjoy living in is vital. Your home is a place to relax and spend time with your loved ones, so reflecting your personality in your interior design is important. Our White House Designs for Life is happy to help make your interior design visions come to life.
Contact us or visit one of our four locations, including our Hunter Douglas Design Gallery in Paramus, New Jersey, to begin your next interior design adventure. White House Designs for Life proudly serves Fairfield, Wayne, Paramus, and the surrounding areas.
