Want to know some of the most common decorating mistakes I see when I go into other people’s homes? I’ve got a list of 10 to share with you and how to avoid common decorating mistakes. It’s ok to break some decorating rules sometimes, however, these you do not want to miss! You’ll be surprised the difference it will make in your space.

HOW TO AVOID COMMON DECORATING MISTAKES

Area Rug Too Small

An Inspiring Home

When buying an area rug for your living room, you want to make sure that the front feet of your living room furniture is on the rug at the very least. Sometimes it works for all of the furniture to be placed on the rug, but it’s not necessary. That means you need to buy the right size area rug for your room, otherwise it will look like a postage stamp.

In the dining room, you want the rug to be large enough so when people are sitting at the table, the chairs are still on the rug.

Choosing a Paint Color First

An Inspiring Home

Raise your hand if you’re guilty!! Even I have made this common mistake a couple of times in my life. I know you want to paint right away when you move into that new home of yours, but HOLD ON! It is so much easier to select all of your furnishings and then choose a paint color from the rug a piece of art, your sofa, etc. The key is to come up with a plan first, and look at all of the colors you will have in your space. Choosing a paint color will be less stressful too, I promise. Sign up for my newsletter at the end of this post to get all of my paint color tips!

Hanging the Artwork Too High

Three Salt Design Co.

This is one of the most common mistakes I see in so many homes. It’s nothing personal, but please bring that artwork down to eye level. What I mean is, the center of the art should be placed 60” up from the floor. Otherwise, it will look like it’s floating on your wall. You want it to relate to the piece of furniture it’s hanging over too, so in that case 6” above a sofa or console table is a good number. 

Drapes Are Too Short or Hung Too Low

Jane Lockhart Design

First, make sure you buy draperies that will reach the floor. No high-water pants here please! You want your drapes to skim the floor or even puddle a little. Then, when hanging your drapes go with high and wide.  Install your drapery rod as high as you can above the window and then 6”-8” past on either side. This will make your window appear larger. 

Buying a Matching Furniture Set

Studio McGee

I know you may be tempted to buy that furniture set on the showroom floor at your favorite furniture store, but hang on here. First, come up with a plan. Let’s say you want a gray sofa. That’s fine, but you can also pair a navy sofa or a couple of brown leather chairs to go with it instead of another gray sofa. Let’s keep it interesting! Unless, you’re going for symmetry in the living room where they will be facing each other, two of the same gray sofas are rather boring. Which brings me to my next tip.

Matching All of The Wood Tones

Mindy Gayer Design

Mix up the wood tones, please! Your wood furnishings do not need to match your wood floor, nor should they all match each other. Decide on a coffee table, but go with some end tables that speak to that coffee in color or style without matching it exactly. It’s also ok to mix metal with wood. Notice how the black chairs complement the light wood table in the picture above.

Creating a Theme Room

Design Loves Detail

Instead of thinking about a theme for your room, think about the style. Do you like transitional? Modern farmhouse? If you select a theme, chances are you will tire of it quickly. Think of creating a space that will be classic and timeless. My signature style is modern transitional, which is clean-lined and easy to keep up-to-date.

Take a look at my design boards. HINT: It’s the way I create a cohesive plan for my clients’ homes.

Using the Pillows that Come with Your Sofa

Kate Marker Interiors

This may seem trivial, but it’s the one thing that will give your living room a high-end look. First, donate the pillows or toss them in your kids’ playroom. Then I recommend purchasing some quality down-filled pillow inserts in two different sizes. Go with a larger size too. 18”-24” depending on your sofa. Then purchase some pillow covers in coordinating fabrics. Take a look at some of my design boards for coordinating pillow ideas. You can also shop my favorite pillows covers.

Light Fixture Too Small

Laura Lee Home

When it comes to lighting I say “go big or go home.” The right size light will make a statement in your dining room or entry. If you have a large 2-story entry, it’s common to buy a chandelier that’s too small. You don’t want it to look like a spider hanging down! 

Too Many Little Accessories

An Inspiring Home

Accessories are like the icing on the cake. Select one large or a few larger items for décor. Too many will give a cluttered look.  Plus, who wants to dust all of those little knick-knacks? Choose one or a group of three that will make a statement. Take a look at some of my favorite accessories.

TIP: USE AN ODD NUMBER OF ITEMS – 1, 3, 5 OR 7

And there you have it! How to avoid common decorating mistakes! Just follow my tips for your next project and you’ll be decorating like a pro!

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