Buzz
Even without a full home makeover this year, many of us have encountered decorating challenges. Our living spaces evolve with our lifestyles, and seasonal shifts often inspire changes. From hosting holiday parties in fall and winter to showcasing indoor greenery in spring, it's easy to stumble into a few design missteps along the way.
Throughout the year, we consulted with design experts to identify the most frequent decorating errors and compiled their practical fixes. If you've made any of these mistakes, there's no need to stress—they're simple to correct. Or, embrace them! Your home should reflect your personal style and preferences.
Choosing Oversized Dining Room Furniture
When designing a formal dining room, we often envision hosting grand feasts like Thanksgiving or extravagant Bridgerton-inspired dinners. However, most of the time, these spaces are used by our families, and seating for 12 is rarely necessary. Sara Malek Barney of BANDD Design points out that many opt for oversized furniture to accommodate more guests, which can overwhelm the space. Instead, ensure at least three feet of walking room around the table. For occasional large gatherings, consider an extendable table that can be adjusted as needed.
Neglecting the Visual Appeal of House Plants
Maintaining house plants is no small feat, so it's understandable if you've stuck to one favorite variety. However, Christopher Griffin, the plant influencer behind @plantkween, suggests experimenting with diverse greenery to create visual intrigue. "Opt for plants with varying shapes, sizes, and textures," Griffin advises. To simplify care, group plants with similar needs, such as a pothos, spider plant, and monstera.
Overusing All-White Bedding
While all-white bedding can be undeniably elegant, Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute, recommends incorporating color for added visual interest. This could mean a vibrant comforter, patterned shams, or a bold throw blanket. If introducing color feels daunting, try layering different shades of the same hue—think blush sheets, dusty rose shams, and a soft pink throw.
Mistakes in Bookshelf Styling
Despite the countless inspiration photos on Pinterest and Instagram, arranging a bookcase remains a daunting task. Jason Saft from Staged to Sell Home offers practical tips to simplify the process. First, avoid oversized items on shelves, ensuring at least two inches of space between objects and the shelf above to prevent a cluttered look. Second, embrace randomness in your decor. Purchasing everything from one store can feel impersonal, so take your time curating pieces that hold personal significance.
Choosing Rugs That Are Too Small
While oversized dining furniture is a common mistake, undersized rugs are equally problematic. A poorly sized rug can make a room feel unbalanced and untidy. Designer Jacqui Seerman advises ensuring that at least the front legs of your furniture rest on the rug. "Think of it like a picnic—everyone should be on the blanket, not the grass," she explains. To find the perfect rug size, arrange your furniture first and measure accordingly. If your rug needs refreshing, here's how to clean an area rug.
Overlooking the Use of Dimmers
"Every light fixture should include a dimmer," emphasizes Joe Borress, president of Tri-Star Electric and Automation. Designers rely on lighting to set the ambiance in a room, and dimmers are essential for achieving this effect. If you're comfortable with electrical work, you can install them yourself. Otherwise, it's best to hire a professional electrician for safety.
Overloading Window Spaces
Surprisingly, window treatments should extend beyond the window frame to create the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings. Adam Skalman from the Shade Store recommends extending the rod about a foot on each side and mounting it close to the ceiling. Curtains should reach the floor, and blinds should also be installed outside the frame for a cohesive look.
Steering Clear of Upholstery
Upholstery might seem intimidating, especially in homes with kids, pets, or accident-prone adults (we've all been there). However, upholstered dining or kitchen chairs add warmth and comfort to a space. Sara Malek Barney recommends opting for indoor-outdoor fabrics, which are durable and easy to clean—simply wipe spills with a damp cloth.
