What is good design? That's a subjective question, but perhaps "less is more" is the best answer.
How so? Well, there is sublimity in simplicity, coupled with honesty and integrity. With a simple motif there's nothing phony or complicated to be concerned about. Another way to look at it is that with "less" design, ugly can't hide behind the clutter.Ever notice how some magazine pictures of designed rooms look unlivable? Lovely to look at, but uncomfortable as all get out to live in. Some of these rooms are so perfect they look like they've been put together mainly for their theatrical impact.
Of course, not all photographed rooms are like that, and much can be learned by studying these designed rooms. Looking closely and dissecting the pictures will help you see what would work with the environment in which your family would love to live.
Simplicity by no means indicates a stark or sterile room. Actually, the contrary is true. For example, by placing an extraordinary sculpture on a simple, unassuming pedestal, beautiful design has been started in the room. The sculpture brings richness while the pedestal serves to enhance it by simply supporting without distracting.
If that same sculpture were put on an elaborate pedestal, the sculpture and the pedestal would fight each other for attention, and both would lose the battle. Basic shapes coupled with elaborate trim work every time.
A simple sofa with a bold print works in much the same way as the sculpture scenario. And if that bold print is surrounded by fancy art on the wall and busy patterned carpet, no matter how attractive the fabric, the art or the carpet, the combination could be nauseating.
Sometimes trying too hard to make things look just right results in the exact opposite of what you're trying to achieve. Perhaps it is akin to purpose tremor; we're trying so hard to do it perfectly that our aesthetic brain starts to shake and loose control.
Asking questions such as who will use the room, what is its main purpose and what color combinations are most pleasing to the inhabitants will get the ball rolling in the right direction.
The best design is the one that works for the inhabitants. Good design is 98 percent common sense and 2 percent aesthetics.