The Home Edit x Ruggable Rugs Have The Pop Of Color Your Home's Been Craving

Dated Lighting

Instead: Look For Sculptural Lighting

Let's start from the top. Sometimes a simple upgrade like new lighting can make such an impact in the room, instantly giving it a more upscale look. Statement lighting in sculptural shapes are on trend and timeless. Think in levels too -- from ceiling to table lamps to create ambience. Too harsh or too dim can make a room feel uninviting and drab too so pay attention to lighting in a room before you completely overhaul it.

Cramped, Cluttered Spaces

Instead: Be Selective With Furniture And Decor

Less is more when it comes to looking elegant, and frankly, not cheap. Remove anything that doesn't feel right in a space (you may find a better spot for it later) and start with the bare minimum. Now start to fill it with furniture and decor that fits the space well and looks like they pair well. Overfilled rooms can make them look cramped and chaotic, and too much decor or mess can create visual clutter, which is not inviting.

Mismatched Styles

Instead: Create A Point Of View

As a home decor enthusiast, I love almost all of it: art deco, modern, vintage, all the trends. Not to say, these trends can't all go together – they totally can! But create a space where they all work together so it feels cohesive. Make sure furniture works well with each other (even ask design advice from retailers). If you add art deco elements to a modern space, keep that thread going throughout the home with similar shapes, materials and textures (without going overboard). Start with an idea, pair down to the necessities, and slowly add what feels right.

Old Paint, Broken Anything

Instead: Keep Up With Repairs

Walls with chipped or peeling paint can make a home look neglected so a fresh coat is always a good idea after three or so years. Fix broken fixtures too like light switches, faucets, or doorknobs to keep your home from looking old and unkempt.

Cheap Materials

Instead: Opt For Natural Materials

Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon can appear low-end so use them sparingly. Of course, there are sometimes budget concerns but opting for a few quality linens, upholstery, or real wood furniture can elevate your home.

Dated Fixtures

Instead: Upgrade faucets, knobs, and handles

My mom was ready to remodel her whole bathroom until I told her that it was fine — she just needed to upgrade her faucet. She did and was so happy with the results. Something as small as a new bathroom faucet, kitchen handles, or new doorknobs can bring your home on trend and help eliminate embarrassing home decor mistakes.

Rental Blinds

Instead: Don't Treat Windows As An Afterthought

While I do love the bare window look, it can sometimes make a room feel unfinished, especially if the windows are not new. As a renter, I couldn't stand the look of cheap rental blinds too. I'd remove them, make my own shades, and reinstall them when I moved out. Using flimsy or outdated blinds can ruin a perfectly beautiful room. It's like the final accessory to complete the look!

Lack of Scale And Proportion

Instead: Create Balance

Area rugs should extend beyond the sofa and not be too small compared to the size of the room. Find furniture that fits the space and hang artwork that balances the room vs. puts it off kilter. This room by L.A. design firm House of Rolison feels harmonious and complete.

Generic Decor

Instead: Add Personal Touches

Using generic, mass-produced decor items can make a home feel impersonal and bland. Create a sense of space and character by incorporating personal touches, such as family photos or unique decor and art pieces.

Overly Themed Rooms

Instead: Scale Back On Thematic Pieces

Overdoing a specific theme, such as nautical or rustic, can feel kitschy and less sophisticated. Instead, use elements of a theme sparingly, like this woodland-themed kids room that features an animal print and little trinkets on a shelf for an adorable touch.

Main Photo by Rachel Claire

Find more home decor inspiration on our Home Decor page and subscribe to our email newsletter for all our home decor tips.

Their stunning new project was inspired by their trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. "This sweet Spanish style home draws inspiration from our memorable trips to Grana B&B in Oaxaca and the enchanting Ojai Valley Inn," says Sapna.

"The decorative, hand-painted tiles from Old Mexico adorn the baseboards and accent walls, evoking a sense of tranquility and nostalgia," says Sapna. The design beautifully connects the historic Spanish style with an earthy color palette and eclectic furniture.

The style is unique and artistic, a little of an elevated boho aesthetic, that feels timeless and a little like you're on a permanent vacation! Notice the clay vases, dried flowers, wooden spoons and bowls against a rich emerald green tile. "The green zellige tiles in the kitchen and bathroom celebrate the organic beauty found in nature's imperfections," says Sapna.

More and more homeowners are choosing to create cozier kitchen spaces that embrace the natural world, says Chris Alexakis, co-founder of CabinetSelect (not affiliated with this project). Some ways to get the Mexican farmhouse look? "You can introduce splashes of color with uniquely patterned tiles and rustic terracotta decorations. The earthy rustic feel of Mexican-style kitchens pairs exquisitely with popular farmhouse decor to create cozy, natural spaces," adds Alexakis.

Sapna and Karan wanted to pay homage to the original Spanish architecture of their home. They creatively transformed the home from a one bedroom, one bath home into a stylish and functional two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, plus office.

The materials used on the inside were all selected to honor the home's history, and included handmade and hand-painted decorative tiles from Old Mexico and handmade Moroccan Zellige from Zia Tile. Love this arched nook with colorful tile, a unique alternative to paint or wallpaper.

The new office addition is a cozy nook where a soothing color palette creates a peaceful place to get work done. Benjamin Moore Brazilian Rainforest paint trims the windows, pottery lines the built-in shelves, and the linen club chairs offer a spot to read or rest. The colonial-style chair with tall ladder back is understated but sublime.

The bedrooms are minimal with cozy, luxe linens and handmade textures. The wrought iron bed adds character and a vintage quality that grounds the room.

The microcement on the interior walls is imperfectly beautiful in a rustic way. This wavy sink is a showstopper.

The terracotta tile floors are a beautiful alternative to oak flooring we see everywhere. "Saltillo tiles, synonymous with traditional adobe homes, grace the floors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living," says Sapna.

The fringe blanket is elegant and rustic at the same time in a breezy white. The tile and arched nook from the living room is echoed here too to create connection and symmetry throughout the home.

Built-in cabinetry with open shelving adds extra storage space, plus a decorative element to showcase more gorgeous pottery and handmade baskets. "Thoughtfully integrated custom cabinetry throughout the home complements the striking tile-work with its warm wood tones," says Sapna.

Elements like the green zellige tile are repeated throughout, creating a simplicity to the design. The wall treatment extends to the floor with a seamless transition between room and shower. Pottery and plants in the bath are an inviting touch.

Here's more of that colorful ceramic tile with warm wooden shelving to display bathroom decor.

Baskets, plants, and mementos from their travels personalize and warm up the home. "The light fixtures were designed to evoke a vacation-like ambiance, offering a sense of relaxation and luxury that enriches every corner of the home," says Sapna.

Another unique rustic sink stands out as an artistic piece in a serene setting.

Los Angeles is perfect for indoor/outdoor living and the same rustic aesthetic is used in the exterior design of the Spanish home. Not fussy, just lovely! "The outdoor space, designed around the original river rock pond, boasts a spacious lounge under a majestic tree with hanging lanterns, a dining table overlooking stunning city vistas and a terraced garden. To complete this outdoor sanctuary, a dedicated carport can double as a picture perfect terrace to host large dinner parties," says Sapna.

Shop The Mexican Farmhouse Look

Ivory Cotton Throw Blanket With Tassels

Chairish Mid-20th Century Vintage Ladder Back Chair

Oversized Terra Cotta Vases

Oaxaca Jute Hand-Knotted Red Area Rug

Anthropologie Luxe Linen Pillows

Etsy Set of Three Bread Boards

Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals

I had to mention the OG! These sandals are fitted with Birkenstock's original footbed, which is specially designed to enhance your gait and coordination, improve stability, and provide arch support. This means they're stylish and practical, which is a win-win, if you ask me.

This design has a shorter break-in period than you'd expect. Per Birkenstock, "the soft footbed has an integrated latex foam cushion... it offers excellent comfort from day one."

The upper is a serene green suede and boasts two adjustable straps with color coordinating buckles.

The Arizona Soft Footbed Suede Leather Sandals currently come in 3 other colors for $140.

Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals

Part of the Papillio by Birkenstock collection – which primarily amplifies platform styles – this fresh take on the Arizona sandals flaunts a flexible platform sole, smooth black leather throughout the shoe, and a contoured cork-latex footbed that shapes to your step with wear. This pair is great when you want a little boost!

The duo straps are reflective of the OG Arizona sandals, but look a bit more polished in this iteration.

The Arizona Flex Platform Leather Sandals also come in light gray for $220.

Theda Leather Sandals

Another unique Papillio silhouette, the Theda sandals havelots of cushion along the ankle straps and footbed, so they're bound to be the comfiest sandals you own. The straps that span the ankles and toes are looped, securing with velcro. Their smooth leather construction offers an elevated air.

These Birkenstock sandals are currently shoppable by members-only access by creating an account with the brand. They also come in black for $180.

Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals

Let's get into the fun summer colors! Birkenstock has a lot of them, but this pink is just stunning. The gold hardware flatters virtually any skin tone and feels especially fitting for a warm summer vacation – or even when you just want a little pop of brightness! They're essentially the same shoe as the classic Arizonas but with enlarged, contrasting metal buckles that draw the eye in. The natural leather upper on these sandals has an exceptionally shiny finish for even more curb appeal.

The Arizona Big Buckle Natural Leather Patent Sandals are shoppable in 8 other summer-ready colors for $170.

St. Barths Leather Sandals

I see you, unique blue hue! Sporting maybe the flattest Birks silhouette to-date, the St. Barths Leather Sandals scream cool girl. They stray from the norm with two woven buckled straps, silver hardware, and low-key rubber sole (which Birkenstock describes as "city-ready"). The smooth leather insole offers total flexibility and cushion for stepping out.

This design also comes in all black for $230.

Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs

These shoes are pretty much my #1 favorite of the Birkenstock lineup. Cool girls wear clogs! I'd say they're just as iconic as the Arizona sandals, and they're really nice for when you don't necessarily want to show some toe, but still want to wear slip-ons. The soft suede material on these gives a casual, already worn-in vibe, so they're super easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Opposite the lightweight sole is the original Birkenstock footbed made with an extra foam layer for utmost softness!

The Boston Soft Footbed Suede Leather Clogs comes in 4 other easy-to-pair colors for $160.

Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals

These deliver such a clean look, and I love it. The white colorway is spruced up with some shimmer in an embossed croc pattern. The classic contoured cork-latex footbed molds to your feet with time and wear, which won't be hard since you'll wanna wear these all the time. The trio of straps boasts adjustable silver buckles so you can find your perfect fit.

The Franca Birko-Flor Embossed Sandals come in 3 other fun pastel colors for $100.

Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals

The Papillio line strikes again with these timeless slip-on sandals! The grooved chunky white sole gives 'em some playful personality for frolicking around in this summer. They have the classic suede upper with two buckled straps, and the contoured cork footbed will adjust to your perfect fit with time and wear.

The Arizona Chunky Suede Leather Sandals also come in 3 other colors for $135.

Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals

Made from super flexible EVA, this ultra lightweight, shock absorbing, waterproof (hello, beach days!) take on the Arizona sandals feel like the perfect pair for summer adventures. They still have signature adjustable buckles, too, so you can adjust the fit as you go!

The Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals come in 12 other colors for $50.

Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals

The wide straps on these neutral sandals add stability to your step and a touch of style you don't normally see from Birkenstock! The cork wedge is stylistic of the Birkenstock brand, but it offers a unique take since the cork is *actually* visible. These shoes flaunt a nubuck leather upper and only one adjustable strap of the two. They have the classic black sole with a good amount of traction!

The Almina Nubuck Leather Sandals comes in two other colors for $135.

Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs

Even the Boston clogs got the Papillio treatment! These have a very chunky EVA sole that feels cushy when you walk in it. The green suede material on the upper feels ultra-soft and velvety from the get-go. The cork-latex footbed will mold to your feet with time and wear, too.

The Boston Chunky Suede Leather Clogs are shoppable in 3 other colorways for $150.