You’ve no doubt put a great deal of thought into the design and decor of your home. From furniture to artwork, and organization of clutter, all of the work you’ve put into making your house into your home should leave you with a relaxing environment to return to after a long day of work or outings. But what if after all of your work, something still seems a bit….off? Even well thought out design sometimes goes a bit off the rails. Here are some of the top mistakes people make when decorating.
Over Filled Rooms
Whether the cause is too many pieces in a room, or furniture that is too big for the space, overfilling a room with large pieces can overwhelm the appearance. You want to have plenty of room for easy movement between seating pieces and tables. It is also important that some of your furniture be allowed to “float” with ample walking space on all sides. If all pieces are pushed up against the walls of a room, it interrupts the natural flow of the room.
First Impressions
Many of us neglect one of the most important parts of our home when we are decorating – the entrance. However, since this is the first thing anyone sees when entering your home, proper attention should be given to the decor. Your entryway should be functional and inviting, with a few decorative pieces that are a representation of your family and your home. Do not overpower this area though – only one or two large central features should be used, such as a grandfather clock, oversized mirror, or entry way table.
Technology Clutter
Wall mounted televisions give a family room a sleeker look, but there is still a problem of cords and accessories. There are many ways to disguise the cords connecting your electronics, such as cord covers mounted flush against wall corners, and running them through shelving. If your TV is set up in a room where it cannot be mounted to the wall, a TV armoire is a great way to hide its appearance while it is not in use, and to contain the cord clutter.
Find the Right Size Rug
The right rug can pull a room together, and even make it seem bigger than it is. When shopping for a new area rug, splurge for the largest size that is appropriate for your space. While it is true that if possible, you want to leave 12-18 inches of space around the border of your rug, having all of your furniture on the rug is a more polished look. All the more reason the consider furniture size as well when planning your space.