Decorating your home can be a fun and satisfying project, but there are times when it’s easy to go overboard. Learning five of the most common home decor mistakes to avoid can help you create a tasteful and balanced home environment that shows off your personality and style.
Choosing Paint Colors First
It might feel natural to start your home makeover with a fresh coat of paint, but choosing paint colors first can be limiting. For example, you may fall in love with a rug or couch that’s too close to the colors of your walls or that clashes with them. You can always change paint colors, and it’s much easier and less expensive than buying new furniture to match your already-painted walls.
Instead, pick out your main furniture pieces, artwork, and other decor elements first. You can then use these items as inspiration for choosing a complementary paint color that ties the room together.
Overdoing a Theme
While a well-executed theme can make for a cohesive and visually appealing space, going overboard can leave your home feeling more like a theme park. If every inch of your home screams “Look at me! I’m coastal!” (or “colonial” or even “dark academia”), you’ll make your guests feel like they should have worn a costume to visit your home.
A theme can be a useful way to add visual interest and harmony to your interior and exterior spaces, but your theme shouldn’t dictate every single element of your decor.
Not Including Enough Contrast
A perfectly coordinated living room may seem like the epitome of stylish design, but too much matching can be monotonous. It looks unimaginative and like you don’t really know your own style. A mix of complementary colors, textures, and styles can create visual contrast and elevate your space.
Strive for a mix of matching and contrasting elements. If your sofa is a neutral color, consider adding a couple of bold and patterned accent pillows (but don’t drown the couch in pillows! If you must move more than one of them to sit down, you’ve overdone it).
Hanging Artwork Too High on the Wall
There’s an art to hanging artwork, and hanging it too high is one of the most common home decor mistakes. A piece of art that sits too high on the wall can make your space feel disjointed and visually confusing.
The ideal center height for artwork is typically between 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This aligns with average eye level, making it comfortable for most people to appreciate.
Failing To Vary Lighting
Lighting not only serves a practical purpose, but it can also enhance your home’s aesthetic. A room that relies on just one lighting source, especially overhead lighting, can feel flat and uninviting. Consider adding a mix of lighting sources, including floor and reading lamps or even wall sconces, to create warmth, depth, and visual interest in your space.
The key to tasteful home decor is balance: between colors, textures, and styles; between your theme and a degree of variety; and between different lighting sources. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a welcoming and stylish home that showcases your personality and design sense.
