Designers Share Tips for Starting Home Decorating

In a recent feature, interior designers offer practical advice for those beginning to decorate their homes, emphasizing functionality, personal style, and avoiding common mistakes. The article highlights that decorating can be daunting, but experts like Drew Michael Scott, founder of Lone Fox, reassure that it's not serious and the goal is to create a space you love. Imani Keal, a content creator and decorator, suggests including items with personal connections, such as something made, thrifted, or inherited. Tara Pallay advises starting with functional needs, while Dani Klarić recommends identifying the desired emotion for each room. Scott suggests beginning with a rug to anchor the space and determine the color scheme. Common mistakes include improper sizing of rugs and furniture, and over-focusing on trends. The experts encourage mixing eras and colors, and allowing the space to evolve over time. The article is part of a 'How to start' series and includes illustrations by Carmen Casado. It was published on August 3, 2026, in The Guardian.