(A big thanks to our friends at Taylor Morrison for sponsoring this post!)

Making interior design decisions can be intimidating for the average homeowner. After all, you want something that looks great and fits in with the season’s best trends, but you also want a home design that will look equally great next year. While trends often change, some smart strategies will help you make choices that will stand the test of time. In this post, we’ll focus on how you can make intelligent home décor decisions in three important areas of your home.

Your Kitchen

Cupboards are one of the most expensive—and critical—components in your kitchen. You can stretch your interior design dollars by taking a cue from gorgeous residences like Sol Y Mar in Rancho Palos Verdes, shown above. You’ll notice that the home’s kitchen features contrasting light and dark cabinetry.

Most homeowners opt for a single color scheme, but if you take a look at high-end homes (check for a “Parade of Homes” event in your local area) you are likely to find some design elements with sharp contrasts. These seemingly risky design choices are exactly what can make the difference between an average home and amazing home design that will stun your friends.

To make your own design decisions study as many beautiful homes as you can. Before long you will be able to choose two shades that perfectly complement each other and your family’s tastes. You can also make use of a color palette to help you choose the shades.

Great design also has a practical component. When renovating the entire kitchen, try to add more drawers. Deep drawers are great, and they can be easily added practically everywhere. Consider other storage challenges you currently face and see if you can incorporate some great solutions into your new kitchen design.

Your Living Room

When designing your living room, it is important to make sure it’s an inviting space where family and friends will enjoy spending quality time.

While you may want to opt for a clean look, make sure the overall effect of your living room décor scheme is inviting. Warm paint colors, comfortable furniture, and interesting wall art will help make the space attractive and relaxing. You can also add magazines, books, and attractive editions of favorite board games. Most importantly, keep your family’s taste and style in mind to make sure it’s not only beautiful but also decorated in a way that will make it a center for family entertainment.

Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a great place to make a huge impact in your home. If you have space, consider adding a vanity, open shelving, or a larger bathroom mirror that will create a great focal point. This can make a huge difference if the bathroom is small since the mirror makes everything seem larger. To make the space seem even larger, paint the walls white or a light neutral shade. This is especially effective if you have a good source of outdoor light through windows. If you have a dark bathroom, consider whether a new light fixture would transform the space.

Also, take a critical look to see if new finishes would improve the overall feel of the room or make it easier to clean. Deep cleaning with products like Bon Ami and Bar Keeper’s Friend can help you determine whether you actually need to replace counters, flooring, and fixtures. You may discover that simply replacing the sealant around sinks and bathtubs will give your bathroom a fresh new appearance. (This will also help prevent dangerous mold from developing when water seeps into walls and floorboards.)

Are you facing a design challenge? Experienced a recent success? We’d love to hear from you! Comment  below.