7 Old-School Decorating Tricks That Designers Love

Dining room with large art — Credit:
Haris Kenjar

Flashy trends and experimental ideas can make a space feel fresh, but there’s a reason why tried-and-true decorating methods endure. Ultimately, they’re rooted in the fundamental principles that make homes feel comfortable, customized, and functional.

To tap into this nostalgic charm, we asked interior designers to share a few of the old-school decorating tips that they still rely on.

01 of 07

Keeping Your Curtains High

A cozy sitting area with an armchair floor lamp and wooden dresser — Credit:
Cate Black Photography / Audrey Scheck Design

Hanging curtains high and letting them fall all the way to the floor is a timeless trick that interior designer Audrey Scheck says comes back time and again. As a general rule, she says to place the rod about 3/4 of the way between the top of the window trim and the ceiling, or just a few inches below the ceiling in rooms with standard heights.

“Panels should kiss the floor or barely puddle,” she says. “It immediately makes ceilings feel taller, and the room feels more polished and intentional. Even the most casual spaces benefit from the softness and warmth this adds.”

02 of 07

Playing the High-Low Game

A master bedroom with a tufted headboard decorative pillows red lamps and a naturethemed wall panel — Credit:
William Abranowicz

One of the most reliable approaches is balancing splurges and bargains throughout a room.

“This means investing in key pieces like an expensive sofa or special antiques, while also sourcing furniture from markets or secondhand finds that can be purchased for pennies on the dollar,” says Colleen Bennett, CEO and principal designer of CBB Design Firm. “This allows clients to get really great pieces at a great price, while still achieving a layered, designer look."

03 of 07

Stacking Rugs

A welldecorated living room with sofas and a floral themed design — Credit:
Kelly Blackmon / design: Bailey Ward

You know a rug can tie a room together, but layering rugs takes the concept to another level. This old-school trick combines pattern, color, and scale to make large rooms feel cozier.

“Start with a neutral or natural fiber rug as the base, then layer a smaller patterned or vintage rug on top," says Scheck. "Make sure the top rug is large enough to anchor key furniture pieces. Mixing textures and eras keeps the look from feeling too polished.”

04 of 07

Adding Interesting, Scaled Art

textile poster size art office space — Credit: Alyssa Rosenheck

The standard 8-by-10 or 6-by-8-inch framed photo works, but it also feels expected. Instead, pull from an old-school technique and use scaled art in unexpected places, says Leslie Kramer, founder of Lighthouse Home & Design.

She recommends going for the teeny-tiny art—like a 2-by-2-inch frame on a kitchen windowsill, resting next to a jar of flour—or going grand with a 40-by-50-inch piece near the front entry. "Make sure the colors and the vibe make sense, but let the scale be unexpected," she says.

05 of 07

Bringing the Garden Inside

One thing that will never go out of style? Beautiful floral arrangements.

“Flowers arranged loosely, as if they were just gathered, feel alive, personal, and welcoming. This trick always works because it connects the table to seasonality, time, and place,” says Beth Helmstetter, celebrity event designer and interior decorator.

06 of 07

Using the Rule of 3’s

Annie Sloan "Oxford Navy" blue chalk-painted dresser — Credit: Courtesy of Annie Sloan

The rule of three is an old-school principle that designers still swear by, and Bennett says she’s a long-time fan.

“Using odd numbers—such as three, five, or even one single statement piece—creates visual interest and balance,” she says.“Avoid pairs when working with paintings or accessories. Instead, group items in odd numbers and vary height, scale, and texture for the best result.”

07 of 07

Layering Your Lighting

A cozy corner with a chair lamp and small table next to a staircase — Credit:
Cate Black Photography / Audrey Scheck Design

Before recessed lighting took over, homes were lit with layers of lamps, and it’s a tradition that Scheck still swears by. “Mixing table lamps, floor lamps, and even picture lights adds depth and softness, creating rooms that feel cozy, lived in, and comfortable—rather than overly bright or one dimensional,” she says.

Her tip is to aim for at least three light sources in a room at different heights, and to use warm bulbs to create a cozy, layered glow. Don’t be afraid to mix lamp style. “Another little designer secret: I often cut cords and use rechargeable bulbs so lamps can go exactly where they look best, and not just where outlets are," she says.