Here’s a secret our designers love sharing: great design doesn’t always have to mean a complete overhaul. Sometimes one well-chosen change—the right light fixture, a better rug, the right window treatment—can shift the entire mood of a space. When it comes to smart, high-impact design updates, starting small often delivers big results.
So we asked our team one question: If someone could update just one thing in their home first, what would make the biggest difference?
Their answers? Surprisingly attainable. Here’s where they recommend starting:
Lighting: The Fastest Way to Change the Mood
If you want impact without the stress, lighting wins every time. Designers start here because it influences everything else: color, contrast, comfort, and the energy of the room.
A new table lamp, a pendant or chandelier over the dining table, or a modern flush mount in the entryway can instantly elevate your home. Add a dimmer, and now you have ambience at your fingertips.
Designer Tip:
Choose warm bulbs (around 2700K). They soften the room and make every finish look richer, especially metals, wood, and wall color.
Rugs: The Upgrade People Notice First
A rug is more than something your furniture sits on; it’s the visual foundation of the room. Swap your rug, and suddenly the scale, color palette, and balance of the space look completely different. Designers often make this the first update because it’s an easy way to reset a room without replacing a single piece of furniture.
Worried you’ll pick the wrong size?
In a living room, get a rug large enough to fit at least partially under all the pieces of seating (i.e., sofa, side chairs, and so on).
In the dining room, it needs to be big enough so that when you pull out your chair, you are still fully on the rug.
In the bedroom, create a “U” shape at the foot of the bed so when you walk around, it is plush and warm. It should be roughly 6-12″ in front of the nightstands, and centered to the side of the bed. For a queen bed, 6’x9′ is perfect. For a king, 8’x11′ is ideal but rare, so it’s okay to go with 8’x10′.
Designer Tip:
When in doubt, size up. The bigger the rug, the bigger the zone you are creating will look. A rug that’s too small makes everything else seem cramped.
Wall Color: A Major Mood Shift in One Afternoon
Painting is the quickest way to redefine a room’s personality. Even shifting from a stark white to a soft white, or muted green or blue can warm up your space, highlight your decor, and make the room feel special. Pay attention to light exposure. North-facing rooms usually benefit from warmer tones; bright southern light can handle cooler hues.
Designer Tip:
If you don’t want to commit to an entire room paint your trim; it’ll instantly update the whole space.
Window Treatments: The “Why Didn’t I Do This Sooner?” Update
If your room feels unfinished, window treatments are almost always the missing piece. They add height, softness, and architecture all in one move. Whatever you choose—airy linen drapes, blackout curtains, or tailored Roman shades—dressing your windows gives your space instant polish.
You can find super affordable options at places like Two Pages Curtains, The Shade Store, and even IKEA.
Designer Tip:
Hang drapes high (at least 4″-6″ inches above the windowsill) and wide. It makes ceilings look taller and windows feel larger. It’s the easiest optical illusion in design.
IKEA MÄSTERROT Curtains, $19.99
Small Details, Big Payoff
Even tiny swaps can shift the energy of a room:
- Change cabinet hardware for a completely new vibe
- Add sculptural decor for warmth and dimension
- Replace throw pillows with richer textures or modern patterns
- Bring in greenery (real only — Betsy approved) for life and color
Design is all about layers, and one strong layer can set the tone for the entire space.
Wrap-Up
Your home doesn’t need a full makeover to feel new. A few thoughtful design updates can reshape how your space looks and how you feel in it. So choose your first swap, make it a good one, and watch the whole room shift.
And if you’d like a designer to help you pick that one perfect starting point, we’d love to help. Book a complimentary design consultation, and we’ll guide you toward the update that makes the biggest impact in your home.