This story is part of The Best Designers in Dallas 2021 feature. Click here to see the 2021 winners.
More art than science, good design isn’t as simple as plugging in measurements and painting by numbers. It takes a keen eye and creative intuition to know what’s right, what’s not, and where to break the rules. “This is why one needs to hire a designer,” says Michelle Nussbaumer of Michelle Nussbaumer Designs. “I could give you random numbers based on the room I might be sitting in, but that won’t work for the room you’re sitting in.” Our designers shared some general rules of thumb to follow when choosing pieces and hanging them in your home. But understanding that each home and space is unique, you should take these numbers with a grain of salt. “Formulas will only get you so far,” says Lisa Floyd of Baker Design Group.