5 Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Decorating Questions

Styling a space can be stressful, but we’re here to break down the answers and solutions to questions that gnaw at both seasoned and novice homeowners and decorators. After all, there are many ways to approach your design; you want to show off your own personal style, maybe even mix and match some trends, but also include some elements to maintain an everlasting classic look.

So, where do you even start? 

The Baer's Furniture design team has compiled some of the most frequently asked decorating questions to help you find your direction and vision for your new space. You’ll be decorating like a pro in no time and feel right at home — your dream home.

A rug can be a great addition to a room — a rug can add the right finishing unique color or pattern to any space, especially if you want a more monochromatic feel. There are a couple of factors to consider in the selection process, such as cost and size. 

Ideally, your rug would be large enough to fit all of your furniture. However, that can turn costly. In reality, your rug should fit underneath all your main furniture pieces, like the sofa. If you’re struggling to find a large and affordable rug, you could either push your furniture closer together or place the front legs of each furniture piece on the rug, so everything is symmetrical and balanced — both of which are done in this display of our Bernhardt Wrigley Casual Power Reclining Sofa.

Yes, it is possible to mix décor trends. No, it is not a faux-pas. It can actually give your space more personality and can even make it feel homier. The key is mixing and matching the right pattern, colors, and texture combinations through different furniture. For example, you can introduce the trends through small accents, such as blending various throw pillows to offset other colors in the room. You can also mix new and old furniture so that the room has some variety, but the look is cohesive.

Start mixing trends in smaller pieces, like throw pillows, vases, or table lamps. This will help you test how blending will work in your living space. The best way to pair different pillows, for example, is to use pillows with various pattern scales. 

You could also introduce an accent chair into the mix. Our Bernhardt Candace Swivel Chair combines traditional and contemporary elements, making it perfect for a transitional look in your living room.

If you want to consider blending layers, too, try combining mid-century and tribal furniture pieces. One of the easiest ways to style these two trends together is to go for a midcentury base, like chairs and dining room tables, and then add in tribal-inspired accent pieces.

Would you like to have modern and vintage in one place? No problem. This actually creates an eclectic look in the space and is pretty easy. All you need is balance. If you want to place an antique chair by your modern coffee table, consider including a vintage rug or piece of art. Experts say to consider what each piece contributes to the room before blending so that you don’t mismatch the furniture and make the room look dated or distasteful.

The question that consistently lingers in our minds: neutral or bright colors for my room? Well, some say to go completely neutral and paint your walls as white as possible, while others suggest experimenting with brighter colors or color accents.  

Here are the benefits of each painting route and the ways to style them:

If you’re living in a studio apartment or decorating a multifunctional room, you could create zones for the different areas. You could include different rugs and lighting fixtures in various parts of the room, hang curtains from the ceiling, or use bookshelves as natural dividers. When you apply this "zoning" technique, you help create a bubble that will distinguish the different areas and their functions in the space.

When styling a gallery wall, consider collecting art pieces either in the same color palette or that complement your walls and furniture. Want to spruce up your plain white walls? Hang multiple colorful abstract pieces as long as they don’t clash with the furniture and look professional and unique. Also, map out where you’d like to hang each art piece or print, especially if they vary in size. Perhaps you want to achieve a certain theme or motif! 

Want to learn more about our furniture and decor? Visit a Baer's Furniture location near you!