Visualize it (virtual mock up) before you do it. And not in mood board fashion where the throw pillow or vase with flowers is the same size as the sofa and the wall paint is a tiny blob in the corner. Mock it up with colors/materials/textures in the proportion they will appear in the final design.

Less is almost always more.

Another Maria Killam bit of advice: any color used should repeat a few times at different scales, to keep the whole room cohesive.

@Lynzy - gah I so agree.. I am really sensitive to that in kitchens, lots of different finishes that are of the moment and then it looks out of date in 2 yrs

Start by understanding the room's natural focal point, or if it doesn't have a natural focal point, create one.

Every room needs a bit of black. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/every-room-needs-a-little-bit-of-black-stsetivw-vs~25113835

Yes @Fran Gil - I have been slow to understand this (!) but I am getting there... painted an old but super solid honey table and chairs black for our basement and it seemed to pull the whole room together

Love this L P! GREAT advice to put in the work upfront getting samples, painting poster boards etc.. I always remember the advice on here to open everything you get shipped in for a reno in case there is damage (even if you are not installing soon) - if you wait you may not have favorable return conditions - (I definitely buy lunch for our best contractors, pros are worth their weight in GOLD!)

I would like to add Beth H to the list of HOUZZ contributors from which I have learned many things. She is so helpful with pictures of ideas for anyone who needs decorating advice.

As a designer I follow my own. I trust my instincts. make a decision, move on.

Agree Rebecca - there are so many choices these days that it can be overwhelming and its easy to spend energy second guessing ourselves

Perfection is the enemy of good.

Make it good, make it right, and let the rest go.

Better understated than unbounded.

Trust your decades of design love.

Yes, Beth H! I have saved so many posts from her in my favorites, as well as from Jennifer H., Judy G., The Cook’s Kitchen, decorenthusiast, and so many more…that is the danger in my starting a list of names. Whether someone posts just once or frequently, there is so much to learn and appreciate. Thank you to all who take the time to help!