Designing a home can be overwhelming. You want it to be practical but beautiful, trendy but timeless, and, of course, make the most of the space you have. Make sure you avoid these 17 design mistakes to create a well-balanced, aesthetically pleasing home.
Mismatched Furniture
While you don’t want to opt for a set of matching furniture, it can be tricky to find the right balance when mixing different pieces. The Seattle Times says, “Mixing and matching your furniture is the perfect way to achieve the sought-after collected look. Remember, good design is more of an evolution than a destination, and collected spaces take time to build.”
Overdoing Themed Décor
Overdoing a theme can make a room feel tacky. Try to create a balance by using a few key pieces alongside neutral décor for a more sophisticated way to introduce a theme to a room that doesn’t allow it to dominate.
Ignoring Wall Art Quality
Often a key focal point in a room, choosing good quality pieces of art that are the right proportion for the size of the wall can make a room feel more cohesive and elevate the space. Select art that fits with the color scheme of the room and ties the other pieces of décor together.
Cluttered Spaces
Clutter affects the ambiance of a room, so try to organize your belongings and donate things you no longer use. Good Housekeeping recommends decluttering one room at a time. “Direct your time and energy into the easiest room first—then use that as inspiration for the others as you go through the rest of your house.”
Excessive Use of Bold Patterns
Patterns can add interest, but overuse can make the room feel cluttered, so try to balance any pattern with a more neutral element. It’s also important that the patterns you use are scaled to fit the room. For example, a small room may benefit from a smaller repeating pattern that doesn’t dominate wall space.
Neglecting Small Details
Attention to detail can really transform a room, so make sure you consider things such as hardware, fixtures, and finishes. Updating these can be very affordable and can significantly elevate the feel of your room, as well as add a personal touch.
Improper Scale and Proportion
Choosing furniture and wall art that properly fit the space and complement each other in terms of scale is important for creating a balanced environment. The Spruce also says, “Remember to leave ‘white space’ in a room. This is the space around and above furniture. A room rarely looks good when every square inch of it is filled.”
Relying Too Heavily on Trends
Keeping up with trends can be costly, and they will instantly date a room when they go out of style. Instead, try to choose high-quality, timeless elements that will elevate your room for years to come. If you really want to try a new trend, consider DIYing your own version for a much more affordable approach.
Overlooking Room Functionality
Each space in your home should not only be beautiful but also practical. By ensuring you have the functionality and storage you need in each room, you’ll be able to enjoy your home and make the space work for you. Consider choosing multi-functional furniture and clever storage solutions.
Cheap Flooring Choices
Flooring really impacts the overall look and feel of your home, and cheap flooring can leave it feeling unfinished. On top of this, cheap flooring is often not as durable, so in the long run, it may be more beneficial to choose a high-quality floor that will stand the test of time.
Uncoordinated Color Schemes
According to Architectural Digest, “A general rule of thumb when mixing-and-matching styles is to follow a color scheme; this will help avoid visual overwhelm. Ideally, this means using two neutral shades and two accent colors.” When picking your accent color, try to consider the mood you want to create in the room.
Using Substandard Textiles
Textiles offer comfort and luxury in a room, and using cheaper fabrics can affect the warmth and texture of your space. Select a mix of high-quality curtains, cushions, and rugs to add depth and interest to your room.
Neglecting Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home sets the tone for the inside, so it’s important to create a welcoming first impression. Landscaping, keeping paintwork in good condition, and decorating with plants can enhance your curb appeal and add value to your home.
Disregarding Textural Variety
Incorporating a variety of textures into your room adds depth and interest to the space. Combining different materials, such as wood, glass, linen, and wool, can create a rich, layered look that adds to the timeless appeal of a room and enhances the ambiance of your space.
Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting is essential for the atmosphere and perceived dimensions of a room. House & Garden says, “Seasoned designers agree that you should layer your light sources: something decorative hanging from the ceiling, a couple of sconces either side of a mirror, and a brass floor lamp or resin table one.”
Overlooking Transitional Spaces
Hallways, entranceways, and other transitional spaces are key to creating a cohesive home aesthetic. You spend more time than you think walking through them, so make sure to decorate with appropriate lighting, décor, and furniture. If you’re tight on space, you can make use of these areas with clever storage solutions.
Inadequate Personal Touches
Adding personal touches to your home allows it to reflect your personality and story. Items such as family heirlooms or artwork can bring your home to life, and it’s easy to blend them in with the overall design in order to create a unique and inviting home.
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