The world of home decor is constantly evolving, and one of the best ways to stay on top of trends is by looking at what works in real spaces. The latest issue of Real Simple's annual "REAL SIMPLE Home" issue features two stunning homes that showcase some of the most brilliant decorating tips from 2025.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at nine decorating tips that are sure to inspire your own home decor projects. From incorporating bold colors and rich textures to using wallpaper as a guide for furniture choices, these tips will help you create a space that's both beautiful and functional.
1. Follow the Shape of Your Room
One of the most important things to consider when designing a room is its shape. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this concept to great effect in the penthouse living room. By using rounded pieces such as a coffee table, rug, and sofa, the space feels more relaxed and flowing.
2. Bind Your Gallery Wall Together with Color
Gallery walls are a popular decorating trend, but they can be tricky to pull off. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the dining room, where they grouped pieces that felt dynamic when paired together. By sticking to a similar color palette, the gallery wall feels cohesive and polished.
3. Combine Bold Colors and Rich Textures
Bold colors can be intimidating, but when paired with rich textures, they can create a truly striking effect. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the penthouse primary bedroom, where they combined bold jewel tones with earth-toned plaster for a sophisticated and serene space.
4. Layer on Top of Wallpaper
Wallpaper can be a statement-making element in a room, but it can also feel overwhelming if not done carefully. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the penthouse office, where they layered framed mirrors with identical empty frames against a backdrop of toile wallpaper for a show-stopping checkerboard pattern.
5. Mix Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns can add visual interest to a room, but they can also be overwhelming if not done carefully. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the kids' room, where they mixed checkered wallpaper with striped wainscoting and geometric bedding for a playful and charming space.
6. Use Wallpaper as a Guide to Picking Furniture
When it comes to choosing furniture for a room, it can be tempting to go wild and choose anything that catches your eye. But by using the wallpaper in the room as a guide, you can create a cohesive look that feels polished and put-together. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the penthouse den and game room, where they paired plush velvet pieces with rich wood tables for a look that felt perfectly cohesive.
7. Incorporate Pieces From Different Eras
Combining pieces from different eras can be a great way to add visual interest to a room, but it requires careful consideration to get right. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the annex apartment, where they mixed French sideboards with Danish chairs and German daybeds for a layered, collected look.
8. Add Molding for a Vintage Vibe
Adding molding to a room can be a great way to add visual interest and create a vintage vibe. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the annex apartment's office, where they added crown molding and chair rail to bring instant character to the modern build.
9. Pile on the Texture
Texture can be an underappreciated element of home decor, but it can make a big impact when done right. The designers at Real Simple's 2025 REAL SIMPLE Home used this tip to great effect in the annex apartment bedroom, where they added millwork, texture, and pattern for a warm and lived-in feel.
By incorporating these nine decorating tips into your own home decor projects, you can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Whether you're looking to update an existing space or start from scratch, these tips will provide inspiration and guidance every step of the way.
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