We’ve all been there—you’re super excited about redesigning your space, maybe you’ve binged a few too many episodes of HGTV, and you’re ready to make your home look like a magazine cover. But somewhere along the way, something feels…off. Maybe your living room doesn’t feel as cozy as you hoped, or your bedroom feels more “blah” than “ahh.” Trust me, you’re not alone! Even the most design-savvy among us make common décor mistakes.
The good news? They’re easy to fix, and by the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what to do to elevate your home and make it look effortlessly stylish.
- The Matchy-Matchy Furniture Trap
- Mistake: You’ve bought a full matching furniture set because, hey, it looks cohesive in the store, right? But once it’s in your living room, something feels stiff, like your space is trying too hard to be “perfect.”
Customer Story: I had a client, Sarah, who was obsessed with matching her sofa to her armchairs to her coffee table… you get the picture. Her living room ended up looking more like a showroom than a home. We brought in a rustic wooden coffee table, paired it with a velvet accent chair, and suddenly the space felt warm, inviting, and like it was curated over time—not bought all in one afternoon!
- Fix: Mix textures, styles, and even colors. It’s okay if everything doesn’t match perfectly—that’s what gives a room character. Try combining wood with metal, leather with soft textiles, or even mixing modern pieces with a few vintage finds. It’ll make your space feel lived-in rather than staged.
- Ignoring Lighting (The Unsung Hero of Design)
- Mistake: You’ve got that one overhead light, and maybe a table lamp or two, but that’s it. The result? Your space feels flat and, well, a bit lifeless.
Customer Story: One of my favorite clients, Jenna, had the most beautifully styled living room, but something always felt off. After chatting, we realized the culprit was poor lighting. We added a few floor lamps, a couple of cozy table lamps, and even threw in some candles. Now? Her living room feels like the coziest spot in town, perfect for movie nights or reading.
- Fix: Layer your lighting. Combine ambient lighting (overhead lights) with task lighting (like reading lamps) and accent lighting (like wall sconces or candles). This creates depth, warmth, and an inviting glow that makes any space feel homier.
- Artwork Hung Way Too High
- Mistake: Your art is hanging way up near the ceiling. It’s beautiful art, sure, but no one can really see it.
Customer Story: I had a client, Mark, who loved collecting art. He’d proudly hung his pieces, but for some reason, they didn’t make the impact he hoped. After a quick adjustment—lowering the art to eye level—the pieces suddenly became the focal point of the room. It was a small change with a big payoff.
- Fix: Keep artwork at eye level, which is about 57 inches from the floor. This allows the art to engage with the space and makes it easy to appreciate without craning your neck.
- The “Too-Small Rug” Disaster
- Mistake: You’ve placed a small rug in the middle of your living room, but instead of tying the space together, it just floats awkwardly under your coffee table.
Customer Story: A couple I worked with, Megan and Tom, had a gorgeous living room, but their rug was barely bigger than a doormat. After upgrading to a larger rug that all the furniture could sit on, the room felt instantly more polished and grounded.
- Fix: Your rug should anchor the room. In the living room, make sure at least the front legs of your furniture sit on the rug. Bigger is usually better when it comes to rugs, so don’t be afraid to size up!
- Forgetting About Texture
- Mistake: Your room is full of smooth surfaces, from your sleek coffee table to your leather couch, but it lacks warmth and dimension.
Customer Story: I once worked with a minimalist enthusiast, Lisa, who loved sleek, modern pieces. But her home ended up feeling cold. We added texture with a chunky knit throw, a sheepskin rug, and a few wooden accents. Instantly, the space felt more layered and inviting.
- Fix: Incorporate a variety of textures—think soft textiles, rough woods, shiny metals, and woven fabrics. This adds warmth and visual interest, making your space feel cozy and multidimensional.
- Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls
- Mistake: You’re trying to create space by pushing all your furniture against the walls, but instead, your room feels empty and awkward.
Customer Story: My client Mike had this massive living room, but everything was lined up against the walls like the space was preparing for a dance party. We pulled the furniture away from the walls, added a few cozy chairs in the middle, and suddenly the room felt intimate and well-proportioned.
- Fix: Don’t be afraid to float your furniture away from the walls, especially in large spaces. This creates more inviting areas for conversation and gives the room a cozier, more balanced feel.
- Over-Styling Every Corner
- Mistake: You’ve packed every corner with décor—trinkets, books, plants, more trinkets. Instead of a stylish room, it ends up looking cluttered.
Customer Story: A client, Ava, was a maximalist at heart, and her living room was bursting at the seams with knick-knacks. We did some selective editing, letting her favorite pieces shine, and gave her space some room to breathe. The result? A perfectly balanced room that still had tons of personality.
- Fix: Less is more. Choose your favorite pieces to display and leave some areas clean and open. It’ll let your statement items shine and give the space a more thoughtful feel.
- The “No Greenery” Problem
- Mistake: Your space has everything—beautiful furniture, art, décor—but it’s missing one key ingredient: plants!
Customer Story: One of my clients, Emily, had everything down when it came to décor, but her space felt a bit lifeless. We added a couple of low-maintenance plants (hello, snake plants and pothos!), and suddenly, her apartment felt alive and vibrant.
- Fix: Even if you don’t have a green thumb, incorporating a few houseplants can instantly make a space feel more vibrant and full of life. Start small with easy-to-care-for plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos.
- Too Much of One Color
- Mistake: You’ve found a color you love, and you’ve gone all in. Now your room feels a bit one-dimensional, like everything blends into the background.
Customer Story: A color-loving client of mine, Rachel, had an all-pink living room (and I mean all pink). While it was fun, it needed some contrast. We brought in some complementary colors—think pops of navy and gold—and the space came alive.
- Fix: Add in some contrast! Complementary colors can bring out the beauty of your main color while making the space feel dynamic. If you love neutrals, add in pops of bold color, or vice versa.
- Not Decorating for YOU
- Mistake: You’re following every trend from Instagram, but something about your space doesn’t feel right.
Customer Story: I once had a client, Claire, who was all about the farmhouse trend, but her heart wasn’t in it. After a little digging, we realized she preferred a more eclectic, bohemian style. Once we redecorated to reflect her personal taste, she couldn’t stop gushing about how much she loved her space.
- Fix: Trends come and go, but your style is forever. Focus on what you love, not what the latest trend dictates. Your home should reflect you and make you happy every time you walk through the door.
Conclusion:
It’s easy to make design mistakes, but the best part? They’re just as easy to fix. By making a few simple adjustments, you can transform your home into a space that feels warm, inviting, and totally “you.” Which of these mistakes have you made in your home? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Now’s the time to shake things up and turn your home into the stylish haven you deserve.
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