Avoid These 4 Common Home Decor Mistakes
By Jane Blanchard
All those ideas for
interior decorating look wonderful in the pages of your favorite magazines. All
that inspiration provides a great starting point, but think before you leap
over the creative fence. The best plans can be undone by common mistakes, so
relax, and consider the bigger picture when you reimagine a room.
Bad Lighting Blues
Overhead lighting
fixtures don't have a very good reputation. They cast more shadows than
illumination, and a few lonely table lamps only contribute isolated pools of
light. It's fine to fall in love with a chandelier, but don't depend on it to
radiate a warm glow through the room all by itself. Give floor lamps and walls
sconces a chance to play strong supporting roles that complement overheads and
table models. These versatile fixtures also function as unique decorating
accents. Don't overlook the levels of atmosphere created by recessed lighting
and dimmer switches.
Surprisingly Dull Arrangements
Sofas and chairs are
meant to work and play together, but they can't socialize well when they're
shoved against the walls. While this arrangement seems practical, it isn't
interesting, and it doesn't bring friends and family together. Liberated
furniture helps shape conversation and direct traffic with layouts that group
pieces into friendly areas. Don't let tradition dictate your choices. A daybed
in the living room might set up a perfect transition between two small seating
spaces. If you have more family than sofa, retire the lounge chairs, and add
another couch.
Less Than Smooth Transitions
No room in your home is
an island, so the transition from one space to another shouldn't feel like
entering another decorating zone. A traditional dining room loses some of its
charming grace when a glance through the door reveals a lively family space
bouncing with bold colors. Contrasting styles don't have to fight each other.
With a little compromise, differences between formal and contemporary can
complement the flow from room to room. Continuity adds to your comfort level,
and you can still go wild in private areas like the bedroom and bath.
Too Much of Anything
Favorite decorating
accents lose any chance of doing their best when they're overdone. Shelves
meant to show off family photos turn into visual clutter when they're
overloaded. Plump pillows make the sofa inviting, but they don't belong on
every piece of furniture in the room. Framed prints create beautiful focal
points until all four walls close in with too much artwork. Moderation doesn't
mean playing it safe to the point of boredom. If you love those accents, set
them free to complement the decor, but don't let them turn into a herd that
overruns your best decorating intentions.
Enjoy the inspiration in
those magazines, take a little time, and avoid the easy mistakes that only
become obvious when it's too late. Of all the rules meant to guide your
decorating talents, the ones that count come from your sense of creativity, so
decorate with confidence in your own good taste. For more interior decorating
and home ideas check out Modernize.
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