When I bought my first place — a cozy 645-square-foot condo — I was over the moon. It felt like my own little slice of heaven. I had big dreams for every inch of that space, but one of my most ambitious plans? Transforming a teeny-tiny bathroom (just 6 by 8 feet, if memory serves) into a luxurious retreat.
Given how small that bathroom was, storage became my biggest challenge. I needed a spot for everyday essentials like towels, so off I went to the nearest home decor store, determined to find a solution. At the time, I was focused on making the space look beautiful — but even more than that, I needed it to function well for my daily life.
I ended up choosing a towel rack that checked the box for practicality, even if it wasn’t exactly a design showstopper. Years later, when I finally gave that bathroom a proper update, that trusty old rack was the first thing to go. I replaced it with stylish, thoughtful options that worked just as hard — but looked a whole lot better.
Funny enough, that original towel rack didn’t disappear entirely. It found a new home in my mom’s bathroom. She couldn’t bear to see it tossed, so she adopted it — though I’m already plotting to gently retire it when I update her space soon.
Looking back, that towel rack taught me a valuable lesson. Design is always a delicate dance between style and function. You need both. But how you balance them can make all the difference in how a space feels and works for you.
Many homeowners think they have to choose between a stylish space and a comfortable one. But as a design professional, I can promise you this– you don’t have to pick sides. You can absolutely have both. And when you do, your home becomes a true reflection of how you want to live.
Here’s what we as designers know (and what you might not) about balancing style and comfort beautifully.
Images via Pinterest.
Why You Think You Have to Choose
I’m often amazed by how many people I talk to who still believe they have to pick between style and comfort — just like I used to. It made me wonder: Why do so many of us think this way?
I think I’ve figured it out.
First, it genuinely takes more effort to find pieces that both function beautifully and look stunning. We’re not always prepared to put in that extra effort. And for good reason. It might mean spending more time searching for the right piece, or investing a little more to get the quality and design that checks both boxes.
The second reason? Good old decision fatigue. There are so many decisions involved in renovating or decorating a home that at some point, most people hit a wall. Out of sheer exhaustion, you start to compromise. You tell yourself, “If it works, that’s good enough,” even if it doesn’t truly make you happy.
On top of that, there’s no shortage of conflicting advice: “Go for timeless pieces!” “Follow the latest trends!” “Pick whatever sparks joy!” It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed and stuck.
But here’s the thing. You don’t have to settle or feel overwhelmed. When you have a clear plan and guidance, it becomes so much easier to find that sweet spot where style and comfort meet. And when you get it right? That’s when your home feels like a true reflection of you. Both beautiful and effortlessly livable.
Images via Pinterest.
What Designers Know That You Might Not
The truth is, designers are trained to balance both function and beauty from the start.
We don’t see style and comfort as opposites. We see them as essential ingredients in a well-designed space. Our job is to make sure you never have to pick one over the other.
When we’re designing a room, we start with how you live:
- How do you imagine spending time in this room?
- Is this a Netflix-and-popcorn kind of space or a formal entertaining area?
- Do you have kids or pets who’ll be using the furniture too?
From there, we source pieces that look elevated but feel effortless. We know which fabrics are both gorgeous and durable, which sofa styles support your body well, and which design details elevate a piece without sacrificing comfort.
It’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes. Stylish enough to turn heads, comfortable enough to walk a mile.
Images via Pinterest.
How to Balance Style and Comfort Like a Pro
Here’s how we do it and how you can start thinking like a designer when choosing for your own home:
1. Start with comfort for foundational pieces
Your main seating, mattress, and dining chairs should always feel good first. If it doesn’t support your body or suit your lifestyle, it’s not worth it, no matter how good it looks.
2. Layer in style through shape, texture, and finish
Once you’ve nailed comfort, bring in personality with things like legs, fabric texture, stitching, piping, or bold colors. A classic silhouette in a rich velvet, for example, offers the best of both worlds.
3. Prioritize performance materials
Opt for high-quality, easy-to-clean fabrics that hold their shape and wear well — like performance linen, boucle, or Crypton. They’re not just practical; they look luxe too.
During the pandemic, I bought a set of accent chairs for my mom’s place after my puppy destroyed her beautiful ones. I was in a rush and wanted something quick and inexpensive. They looked great in the store, but after just a few weeks, I realized the fabric was terrible — it seemed to catch every bit of lint and hair, and it was nearly impossible to keep clean and tidy. Never again!
Spend a little more and choose items with a performance material. It makes a world of difference, both in style and in how your pieces hold up to real life.
4. Use scale and proportion intentionally
Oversized pieces can feel cozy and stylish when balanced well. The key is to avoid too many bulky elements that make a room feel heavy or cramped.
5. Repeat materials and shapes to create visual flow
Images via Pinterest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common missteps so you don’t end up with a room that looks great on paper but doesn’t feel right to live in:
- Buying based on looks alone. Just because it looks great in a showroom doesn’t mean it fits your space or your lifestyle.
- Sacrificing comfort for a trend. That ultra-minimalist chair might be in style but if it’s awkward to sit in, it’s a no-go.
- Over-accessorizing to force a “look.” Trying to make a too-comfy piece look stylish by piling on throw pillows or trendy blankets rarely works.
- Choosing the wrong fabric. White cotton might look crisp, but in a high-traffic area, it’ll stain fast and age poorly.
- Ignoring maintenance. If you have to stress every time someone sits down, it’s not a win.
Images via Pinterest.
Final Thoughts
The most beautiful homes aren’t just designed to be seen. They’re designed to be lived in.
Most of us aren’t looking for our homes to be on the cover of Elle Decor or the Architectural Digest. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want our homes to be stylish and comfortable. With the right approach, and the right support, you can have both.
If you’re tired of second-guessing every design decision or feeling like you need to choose between beauty and function, we can help.
Curious what that might look like in your home?
Explore our Room Rx service or book a free discovery call to get started. Your dream space is closer than you think.
