Finding a dining room rug that is both practical and stylish is no easy feat. Fluffy pile can permanently trap every crumb from the table. Too-small rugs can trip up chairs. But a good rug can bring color, texture, warmth and style to the dining room — making the hunt well worth the effort. Read on for 10 tips for choosing the just-right rug for this hardworking room.

Lampshades can change the entire look of your space. Update an existing lamp or create a custom look and pair a shade with a vintage base.

With their soft lines, visual heft and casual versatility, modular sofas are a great choice for many rooms. They’re big, comfy and totally napworthy. If something’s been holding you back from indulging in the pure comfort of a sectional, here are 10 reasons to just go for it. Whether your space is large or small, family friendly or slick and modern, see if there is a sectional that will work with your style and space.

In the world of interior design, a vignette is a small, pleasing picture formed by grouping several objects — think of it as a pocket-size table arrangement that tells a story about you and your home. A vignette is a harmonious tableau made from a variety of items, rather than a large collection of similar articles (for example, clocks or toys), which would require a different display strategy. Vignettes can easily be reinvented to suit your whims — a change of season, a new find, a gift and a special occasion are all good reasons to refashion your mini displays.

Playing free association with animal prints can bring to mind the jungle room at Graceland, Heather Locklear’s sheets on Melrose Place or the fashion choices of Snooki from Jersey Shore. But what designers know is that animal prints can be so much more sophisticated than that. And designers sometimes use these patterns to add a touch of whimsy to an otherwise serious room. After all, even a serious room can use a little bit of Eartha Kitt to make it really purr.