So you didn’t go to school for interior design? No big deal; you can still transform your home into a designer-worthy space using just a few simple tips. These handy tricks will show you how to inject a stylish, inspiring look into any room in your home.

1. Use symmetry. If you’re unsure of how to arrange the furniture in a room or hang frames on a wall, simply keep the idea of symmetry in mind. Symmetrical rooms are more pleasing to the eye, so try adding two sofas facing one another to help balance your living room.
2. Consider the scale. Be sure to choose furniture in a size that fits your specific room. Choose large, overstuffed items for more open rooms and compact, apartment-sized furniture in smaller spaces.
3. Choose a focal point. If the majority of your furniture is fairly plain, invest in one statement piece as an accent. Try a colorful chair, a large, framed painting, or an ornate rug.
4. Use color to your advantage. Choose the color scheme of a room based on what type of emotion you want the room to convey. For example, use soft, soothing tones to encourage relaxation in a bedroom.
5. Mix new and vintage pieces. While a room full of thrift store furnishings may look mismatched, using all brand new furniture looks impersonal. Combine the two styles for a designer look.

Top Interior Design Tips for Beginners [Bliss at Home]
Interior Design 101 [Visual.ly]
What are Some Interior Design Tips for Beginners? [Wise Geek]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr winestyr

If you love to do DIY (do it yourself) projects around the home, but you just don’t have the time during the week, don't fret! Here are a few impactful DIY projects that you can complete in less than one weekend day.

Terrarium Gardens [sunset.com]
Give your home’s interior a designer-inspired look by creating a trendy terrarium for every room. All you need are a few glass vessels in your chosen sizes and shapes, some well-draining potting soil, and small rocks or sand for extra drainage. Arrange air plants, succulents, or ferns inside to make your own container gardens in just a few hours!

Glitter Pendant Shade [realsimple.com]
If you love the look of retro hanging pendant lamps, you can make yours even more fabulous by adding light-reflecting glitter inside. By simply brushing the interior with the adhesive Mod Podge and sprinkling on a heavy dusting of colorful glitter, your lampshade will become instantly glamorous and festive.

DIY Stenciled Bookcase [realsimple.com]
Breathe new life into an old bookcase by appying a stencil to the back of the bookcase. Go with a bright paint color and stencil to add a fun pop of color and pattern to your room. Achieve the same effect by wallpapering the bookcase.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jojo-bean

Many people dream of diving into the cushions and blankets of beds photographed in interior design magazines and catalogs, but you may not realize how simple it is to make that type of perfectly styled bed a reality. Use these smart tips to improve your bed — and likely improve your night’s sleep as well.

1. Make a tier of pillows. Whether you have a headboard or not, creating a tier of pillows always looks aesthetically pleasing. Start with two extra-large pillows in the back, then add one shorter set of standard queen sized pillows in the center. Finish with one or two throw pillows in the front to make a statement.
2. Use a minimal color scheme. If you don’t feel confident enough to mix and match colors and patterns, simply use a minimal color scheme with one bright, bold pop of color. Use white, grey, or simple pinstripes for your duvet and pillows, then add a fun throw or small pillow in an accent hue.
3. Add texture. If your bed looks a bit flat, add bit of texture by incorporating one faux fur, velvet, or chunky knitted item.
4. Use an alternative headboard. If you don’t have a headboard, don’t fret. Use an antique door, large tapestry, or DIY wood palette headboard to add eclectic style to your room. Or for a more traditional look, a tufted or wooden headboard can be used as the bed’s focal point.

How To: Style a Bed 3 Ways [Style Me Pretty: Living]
How to Style a Bed [The Everygirl]
How to Make the Perfect Bed [Pottery Barn]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Sam