The Décor Questions You’ve Been Googling at 11PM.

Because apparently you can spend 45 minutes wondering if your rug is too small.

We have thoughts.

Styling & Decorating

How do I style a coffee table without making it look like a junk drawer?

Rule of 3. Three things. That’s it.

One anchor: a tray, a stack of books, or something sculptural.

If you please, one living thing: a plant, flowers, or a bowl of pinecones if you’re feeling aggressively rustic.

One moment of drama: a candle, a little color, something weird, something beautiful. Ideally both.

Vary the heights so your eye has somewhere to go or keep them all the same height for a more symmetrical look.

What’s the right size rug for my living room?

Bigger than you think.

If your furniture is perched around the perimeter of a tiny rug like it’s afraid of commitment, the rug is too small.

At minimum, the front legs of every seat should sit on the rug. Ideally, all four.

For most living rooms, that’s an 8’ × 10’ or 9’ × 12’.

Your rug should ground the room.

How high should I hang art above my sofa or TV?

Traditionally, about 6–8 inches above the back of the sofa/TV.

At Paulette Home, we like a maximalist art wall.  The more the merrier.  Group like colors  or pull it all together with the same frame color/style.  Throw in a frame or a small rug to add texture.

Think of it as one composition.

How many throw pillows is too many?

If your guests have to fight their way onto the sofa, you’ve crossed the line.

Three to five pillows is generally the sweet spot for a standard sofa. Loveseats can handle two to three.

What’s the difference between styling for photos and styling for actual life?

A magazine spread has negative space, perfect coffee-table books and absolutely no one looking for the remote.

Real life has mugs. Shoes. Chargers. Dogs. People.

So style 80% for how you actually live and 20% for your fantasy self.

Keep a few “company’s coming” pieces—an amazing tray, a throw, a candle, flowers—that you can bring out when you want the house to feel extra.

Your home should look good.

It should also look like someone lives there.

Materials & Care

How do I clean a jute or wool rug?

Start with the least dramatic option: vacuum regularly with low suction and no beater bar.

Spills? Blot immediately. Do not rub. Rubbing doesn’t clean the problem; it simply gives the stain a larger territory.

And jute + lots of water = absolutely not.

Jute has a complicated relationship with moisture and will happily remember your mistake forever.

For anything precious, vintage, or seriously stained, call a professional. Your rug has been through enough.

Is linen actually good for everyday use?

Yes.

Linen is basically the golden retriever of fabrics: durable, relaxed, forgiving, and somehow better with age.

The catch? It wrinkles.

Constantly.

If you require a fabric that looks pressed and pristine at all times, linen may not be your emotional support textile.

Pair it with something smoother if you want a little more structure, and let linen do what it does best: look effortlessly expensive while refusing to behave.

Can I mix brass and black hardware in the same room?

Absolutely.

Matching is also a fine way to go if that is your vibe.

When mixing, let one finish lead.

A rough 70/30 balance is a good place to start.

The goal isn’t to make everything (match, unless it is).

The goal is to make everything look like it belongs together.

Buying Decisions

What size console table should go behind my sofa?

Aim for roughly two-thirds to three- fourths the length of your sofa.

Too long and it starts dominating the room.

Too short and it looks like it wandered in from a dollhouse.

The console should support the sofa and not compete with it.

How big should my dining-room rug be?

You want 24–30 inches of rug extending beyond the table on every side.

Why?

Because chairs move.

For a standard six-person dining table, 8’ × 10’ is a good minimum.

When in doubt, size up.

Practical & Renter-Friendly

How do I decorate without drilling a million holes in the wall or end up paying to have it repainted?

First: breathe.

You have options.

Use Command-style strips and hooks for lightweight art. Lean oversized mirrors and artwork against the wall—they look intentional, collected and slightly European, which is much more flattering than “I wasn’t allowed to use a drill.”

Freestanding shelves, consoles and floor lamps can also add height, storage and personality without putting a single hole in the wall.

Additionally, there are now renter friendly paints like Unpaint that will peel off.  Don’t forget about peel and stick toiles and wallpaper as well but ensure it is removable.

Your landlord doesn’t need to know everything.

How often should I refresh my home decor?

Two to four times a year is plenty.

You do not need to redecorate your entire home every season. This is a home, not a department-store window.

Instead, make a few high-impact swaps:

·      Pillow covers

·      A throw

·      Coffee-table objects

·      Flowers or branches

·      A piece of art

·      A small accent or two

Small changes in the right places can completely shift the mood.  Adding a pop of color or something with texture like a chunky throw or statement pillow is an easy way to zhuzh up a room.

And honestly, that’s much more fun than buying an entirely new personality every September.