Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Article found on livingrooms.about.com by Lauren Flanagan, Pictures found online (not apart of the original article) with Google images.

Chances are that everyone out there has made at least one of these decorating mistakes. But it’s time to stop the cycle! Once you’re aware of these decorating faux pas you can make sure not to commit them again.

Too Many Pillows        

Pillows are meant to add comfort. When there are so many on a sofa that you can barely sit down it’s far too many. Try to limit accent pillows on a sofa to two or three.

Having More than One Focal Point  

Whenever possible limit your focal points to one per room. Sometimes the architecture of the room makes it impossible, but multiple focal points can make a room feel disjointed and leaves the eye without a place to rest.  Picture shows how to have only one focal point!

Not Testing Your Paint Color  

Always test a sample of your wall color before committing. Paint colors can vary drastically depending on the amount of light in the room and the way natural light travels over the course of the day. Paint a sample square on the wall and leave it at least 24 hours before making a final decision.

Not Considering Your Lifestyle  

It’s important to be honest with yourself when decorating. If you like cuddle with the pets, put your feet up, or eat dinner while sitting on the sofa it stands to reason that you should have one that’s durable, stain resistant and comfortable. This goes for everything in the room. Don’t try to live in a room that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

Too Many Big Plants   

Plants are important, and every room should have a couple. However don’t overdo it and get plants that are going to grow so much they overtake the space. Find smaller versions that will compliment the room and accessorize with them accordingly.

Being Too Monochromatic    

Decorating in a single color can be boring. If you want to keep things neutral it’s completely fine, just make sure to use textures, layer and use different shapes. Picture shows the RIGHT way to do neutrals!

Too Many Wood Tones       

While it’s good to have some variety in wood tones in a given room, you’ll want to make sure not to use too many. Mixing woods with orange undertones and those with red can be jarring. Try to keep them all in the same color family but use different varieties.

Too Many Large Personal Photos  

If you like to have personal photos on display, by all means go for it. But extra large engagement, pregnancy, or family portraits can be overwhelming and make guests uncomfortable. Instead of a large portrait consider a photo wall of smaller pictures. You can still be surrounded by photos of loved ones, just in a more stylish and less intrusive way.

Too Many Patterns             

Patterns are great but too many can be distracting and look confusing to the eye. When you’re decorating with patterns try to follow some of these rules.

Treating Every Room as a Separate Unit  

A house or an apartment is a whole unit comprised of different rooms. Those rooms (while they don’t need to look alike) should relate to each other. Try to coordinate styles and colors to a certain extent so your home doesn’t feel choppy and disjointed.

Inadequate Lighting         

Lighting is arguably the most important element in any room. Make sure you have the appropriate mix of ambient, tasks and accent, and be sure to place lights at different levels throughout your room.

Thanks For Stopping By!  What are some other decorating mistakes?  One of my personal picks, hanging your pictures too high; you should always "frame" your furniture with your pictures/art/decor!  Don't do what this guy did!

Brooke XOXO