Think of how much furniture you need. What's the best way to have it be functional in a great way? If it's in groups, define it.

To be influenced by a magazine and, say, a Swedish theme, unless it resonates with you, it seems kind of odd and influenced.

Make sure furniture decor has similar scale. It's all about scale, proportion, measuring, being conscious of the overall plan.

To have a 9-foot sofa in a small room can be kind of treacherous.

People get trapped in the way things should feel and less focused on the way things should function.

Look at your world and your life, and look at what is personal to you. If you're living in an apartment, you need to stick with a narrative that's personal to you.

Avoid too much intense color. Make sure you mix colors and try them out. It's always good to do a swatch.