Living through your early to mid-20s is to live in the usual flux: new apartments! New neighborhoods! New cities! But as the twilights of one formative decade fade and a new, more stable era looms, you likely want a more stable and elegant environment. Home décor tips may be needed: The furniture mix you inherited from an old roommate frankly doesn’t suit your style. Purchased years ago on a budget out of college, this bed frame from Craigslist has seen better days. And what about your artwork? It’s cute, impersonal, and unfortunately purchased in the heyday of millennial pink. (This writer may or may not speak from experience.) “Being thirty can trigger dramatic life changes as we begin to turn our dreams into reality, leaving things behind that don’t bring us happiness and when our true values begin to emerge,” says the interior designer. Candice Rhimes Vogue magazine. “While we certainly shouldn’t feel pressured to know everything, we start to feel more comfortable with ourselves and start investing our time, money, and energy more wisely.”
But the question is – how do we translate our new sense of self into an inner style?
Vogue magazine I decided to ask 10 interior designers about the home décor tips everyone should know before they turn 30. They sprawled out of technique – buying a tape measure, folks! – to philosophical. “Give yourself permission to experiment! Our homes should be reflections of who we are, and we’re always evolving, so why not our homes?” says Justina Blakeney.
Below, their ideas—and a general how-to guide for your more mature dream home.
When choosing furniture
“Incorporating vintage items you inherited from friends or family or that you discovered at a local flea market is a great way to give your home a timeless look. Trends are cool, but vintage is forever.” Justina Blakeney, Djangaloo
“When it comes to mirrors, go big. Unlike artwork that tends to pull you in, a mirror reflects light and enhances and expands the space. A mirror on a wall can be just as effective as a window. When it comes to mirrors, the bigger the better—as long as It is never wider than it is hanging.” -Nick wins
“When choosing area rugs, remember that too big is better than too small. If it’s too small, it will look out of place. A large rug can stretch into other areas and still look appropriate. You can cut a large rug, but you can’t stretch Small rug. When choosing a rug for a seating area, always try to have at least the front legs of all the pieces on it.” —Joe Berkowitz, JAB . Design Group