My design rule simplified decorating my home – I used a free program for the layout, I’m too old to move furniture 10x
AN interior design enthusiast has shared a rule that simplifies home decorating.
A free program helps them organize their home layout without moving furniture around.
Redditor AdHot6173 shared the interior design tip in a viral post.
A trick that’s saved them time and effort only requires one simple step.
“The ‘rule’ that helped me the most was placing my largest piece of furniture on the longest wall,” they said.
“Then, I work my way down size-wise until all I have left is my accent furniture (end tables, floor lamps).”
A free tool, they added, makes the process even simpler without needing to lift a finger.
“There is an online program (it’s free) that you can type in your room [dimensions] and add your furniture so you get a floor plan (and you can move it around without physically moving it around),” they said.
It’s called Icovia Space Planner. This really helped me in my new home as we have some shared/awkward spaces, and I am getting too old to move furniture [ten times more] if I don’t like where it’s at.”
Another trick also helps them visualize their space.
“I also found that seeing it from a bird’s eye view really helped, too,” they said.
“It doesn’t really do anything for color, pattern, or anything but just your furniture layout.”
The interior design fan also shared a resource for those looking for decor and layout inspiration.
“Pinterest would be a great visual resource for you as well; it can help you narrow down your style and colors you like,” they said.
Other room decorators seconded their advice on utilizing Pinterest.
“Look at Pinterest, magazines, Instagram, and save the images of rooms you like, then study them to see what it is you like about a room,” said another.
Budget interior design tips
Interior designer Judy Hoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Thrift furniture and paint it to match your decor.
- Test if an item is fit for its purpose before thrifting.
- Shop at Target or HomeGoods for rugs, lamps, desks, and pillows.
- Invest in classic timeless pieces.
- Set up smart home lighting to save money.
“Look for similarities in your room and just move stuff around until you think it looks good.
“Don’t worry about making holes in the walls, buy sliders for your furniture, and always think function first — what goes on in this room, and what’s the traffic pattern?”
Another tip, they added, is to always be mindful of the dimensions of your decor pieces and their place in a room.
“As for specific arrangements, pay attention to spacing. Spacing things too far away makes a room look disconnected,” they explained.
“Think ‘seating arrangement’ when arranging your living room, for example— what’s going to be [the] most conducive to how people use this space?” they asked.
“If someone in the chairs across from the couch has to yell to be heard, bring your furniture closer together.
“If you have to squeeze between pieces to get a seat, space it out. Not everything needs to be against the wall.”