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.

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.

Be judicious with your budget and buy things that are going to last.

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.

People buy things in isolation and don't think of how they work together.

Avoid spending too much on one thing.