Your living room should feel like you—comfortable, welcoming, and put-together without looking like you tried too hard. But between Pinterest boards and Instagram inspiration, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the “rules” of interior design.

The good news? You don’t need a design degree to create a space you love. You just need a few foundational principles that professional designers use every day. Here are five tips that will make your living room look intentionally designed rather than accidentally assembled.

Dani Lachmiller earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The University of Minnesota.

Dani is passionate about creating dream rooms for her clients, combining bold colors and patterns like cheetah print with serene, coastal-inspired designs.