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Common Home Decor Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Home decor mistakes happen often, even with the best-laid intentions. If only you could have known in advance what to look for to keep you from making design mistakes. Well, worry no more, we are here to help you design your home with ease!
Rug Size (Too Big or Too Small)
Finding the perfect size rug for a room is a lot like the tale of Goldilocks, you don’t want one that is too big or too small, but just right! If a rug is too small, it will appear as if it is floating in the room. If it is too large it will overpower the room and make the room appear smaller than it is. Choosing the right size of rug for your room depends on your design objective. Do you want your rug to act as the focal point or be an accent piece?
Furniture Doesn’t Fit
A common decorating mistake happens when people impulsively buy furniture before properly measuring the room. Finding the “perfect” furniture piece is more than just how pretty it looks, it must fit the space perfectly as well. If you purchased furniture that was too small, try arranging it on a diagonal first. This will help fill the space better. When you measure a room, be sure to measure the hallways and doorways the furniture will be coming through. If it can’t make it into the room, find a smaller furniture that can.
Curtains
Curtain length is hugely important. Curtains should not end floating above the floor and they should not be stretched out to the max on the width. For the width, measure the width of the rod then multiply it by two, for proper fullness. If you have a sheer curtain you can multiply it by three. When measuring for length, this will vary on the intended look. If you are looking for a more dramatic window-to-floor look, measure from the rod to the floor. Save yourself some time before you leave the house for a day of home decor shopping.
Improperly Hung Wall Art
Whether it is a mirror, a framed piece of art or a large family photo, the height at which you hang it is important. Many times people are quick to hang decor too high, and then you have to look up to appreciate the piece. Instead, opt for hanging these items at eye level. If you are hanging above your couch, measure six inches up and then hang.
No Focal Point
People are often afraid to invest in a statement piece, and their room is lacking because of it. Rooms need a focal point and a fun way to do this is with a unique statement piece that screams your personal style. Statement pieces can include (but aren’t limited to) large artwork, mirrors, or unique pieces of furniture. Have fun with this decorating tip!
Flat Accent Pillows
Accent pillows are a great way to add color and personality to your living room or bedroom. However, if you neglect to fluff them regularly they will start to look dull and flat. This is a simple design mistake to remedy, by fluffing your pillows whenever you sweep or vacuum the room.
Too Many Photos and Knickknacks
We know you love your knickknacks and photos of friends and family, but don’t let them overpower your home! We are not saying to get rid of these meaningful items, just be more strategic with where you place them and how many you display. When it comes to knickknacks try to display only a few at a time on a shelf. You can always rotate them out throughout the year, which is fun because it will make your room seem new each season. A great way to display photos is through a gallery wall. Just select a few photos at a time and switch out whenever you want.
Color
Two common mistakes involve color: Underuse and overuse. Don’t be afraid to decorate with color, because ultimately you will pay for it with a bland room. But, also remember, you don’t have to go overboard and have a rainbow explosion in your home. Adding a little color will go a long way in warming up your home. If you want to start small, try accent pillows, a vase of flowers or fun rugs. You can even try painting an accent wall a bold color for a pop of fun! Speaking of paint, don’t forget to test a small portion of your wall with a variety of colors. If you don’t, you might find the perfect grey actually looks purple!
Buying Poor Quality
We know the scenario that gets you here. You find a super cheap version of the couch you’ve always wanted, so you make an impulse buy. Sure, it seems like a good idea at the time, but you soon realize that it was cheap for a reason. You can feel the springs a few weeks after purchasing, the color is fading or the structure isn’t holding up. All of these things and more can happen when you neglect quality over cost. Don’t think of a piece of furniture as a high price tag, think of it as an investment. When you invest in quality it will last longer and provide you with comfort and style for years to come. If you think about it, you will actually spend less in the long run when you invest in the right piece the first time around!
Too Formal
There is a fine line between elegant and too formal. When picking furniture for your home, be sure to make sure it is stylish and functional. You want people to feel comfortable in your home, so create a welcoming environment. This doesn’t mean you have to forgo a classy, elegant space. Just incorporate a balance of form and function.
Uncomfortable Dining Chairs
No furniture piece, including dining chairs, should be uncomfortable. People should enjoy a meal and not feel the need to devour their food as fast as they can so they can get out of your hard chairs. Pick chairs that have a nice upholstery and offer a little support.
Improper Lighting
Lighting is very important in the décor of the home, but is often neglected or an afterthought. We encourage you to carefully think about the lighting options and pick the one that is right for the space and the job, whether it is natural, ambient, accent or task lighting!
Not sure if you are committing a home décor mistake? Ask one of out design experts on staff, they will be happy to keep you from any design faux pas!