There is no hard rule; it depends entirely on your room's lighting and the aesthetic you want to create. Designers generally recommend choosing curtains that are one or two shades lighter or darker than your walls or furniture to create subtle contrast and depth.
Sometimes, it's about how much light you let through with your curtains. Bright colour sofas like red or yellow do well with curtains that let a lot of light in. On the other hand, grey or more neutral colour sofas do well when your curtains balance out light with just enough of a blackout.
Curtain trends in 2026 are shifting from purely functional covers to architectural statement pieces. The top looks emphasize rich, natural textures, layered depth, warm neutral and earth-toned palettes, and smart home integration to bring quiet luxury and character to interior spaces.
The 2/3 rule for sofas is an interior design principle stating that your sofa should take up approximately two-thirds (66%) of the length of the wall it sits against. This proportion ensures the sofa is substantial enough to anchor the room but leaves enough breathing room so the space doesn't feel cramped.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated. "Avoid overly ornate valances, which can feel dated and heavy," says interior designer Danielle Chiprut. "They can feel at odds with today's preference for light, airy interiors."
Some of Stewart's homes utilize interior blinds for light regulation and privacy. Others feature windows framed by exterior shutters, operable versions of which can also be used for light control, ventilation and privacy.
A tacky look isn't always the result of bad taste or budget mistakes. Designers say it often comes down to overcommitment—locking into trends, finishes, or layouts to the point that a home stops feeling lived in.
Too much furniture
Cluttering the space is the biggest mistake everyone makes. When it comes to furniture less is more, you wouldn't want to make the space feel small. Try to keep good circulation, the layout of your home should never feel cramped. You need enough space to freely move around.
Making your house look expensive doesn't require a designer budget; it's about curated details, intentional scale, and smart styling. The most impactful upgrades include: hanging curtains high and wide, utilizing layered ambient lighting, hiding clutter, adding architectural molding, and incorporating oversized artwork.
If your living room is small, placing the couch against the wall might be the best way to maximize space. If you have a larger or open-concept space, floating the couch can help define different areas and make the space feel more cohesive.
Yes, curtains are incredibly stylish. Moving past bare minimalism, modern window treatments have evolved into major, mood-setting statement pieces. The 2026 design landscape focuses on warmth, "quiet luxury," and architectural integration.
Curtain trends focus on adding warmth, dimension, and personality to spaces. Designers are favoring rich textures (like linen and velvet), layered treatments (pairing sheers with heavier drapes), floor-to-ceiling lengths, and bold patterns.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Thankfully, Stewart was quick to ease our curtain concerns. She says, “They're beautiful, I don't have anything against them, I just don't live with them… I like to look outside. Every window [in my home] looks out to something nice, and it's just all open to the view.”
Timeless couch colors rely on warm, nature-inspired shades and adaptable neutrals. These forgiving hues anchor a room without dictating trends, seamlessly blending with changing decor and hiding everyday wear.
Matching curtains to your sofa is about creating balance, not necessarily exact duplication. The safest rules are to match undertones (cool or warm), vary the shade (e.g., light sofa with dark curtains), or use a patterned curtain that incorporates your sofa's exact color.
10 quick wins for adding value before selling
Achieving a rich, luxurious home aesthetic relies on high-quality materials, layered lighting, and curated styling rather than overcrowding the space. Focus on statement pieces, rich color palettes, and natural textures to elevate your home's design.
The 30% rule in remodeling is a financial guideline suggesting that the total cost of your renovations should not exceed 30% of your home's current market value.
Common home decor mistakes to avoid include using rugs that are too small, hanging curtains too low, and pushing all furniture against walls, which makes spaces feel disjointed or cramped. Other major pitfalls are inadequate lighting, over-accessorizing, and choosing trendy, uncomfortable furniture over functional, quality pieces.
Key Takeaways: 2026 Furniture Trends at a Glance
Curved and organic shapes continue to dominate modern furniture design. Multifunctional and space-saving furniture is a top priority for homeowners. Natural materials like wood, stone, and linen are trending for a warm, grounded look.
Signs You Have Too Much Stuff In The Living Room
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Since demand outweighs supply, housing prices are higher, and homes sell faster. Meanwhile, the worst months to sell a house are November through March or during the fall to winter, when potential buyers are preoccupied with holiday plans. Sellers should expect lower sales prices and higher DOM during these months.
No, participants on HGTV's Ugliest House in America do not get to keep the staging furniture. Like most reality renovation shows, the furniture and decor are just props.