10 common mistakes that lead to inferior interiors

First published in Angie’s List magazine, August 2014, pages 34 and 35.

People can make mistakes when it comes to decorating their homes. Consider the following common errors and how to avoid them.

1. Colossal couch!

Most people tend to buy furniture that is too large for the space. Keep in mind the size of the room and the space each piece will occupy and still allow for ease of movement. I suggest using painter’s tape to mark out the space that each piece will occupy before you make any purchases.

2. Small rugs

Rugs should ground a furniture group. The legs of the chairs should sit on the rug, or at the very least, the front legs should be comfortably on the rug. With a dining table, the rug should sit under the chairs, even when pulled out. Having the right size rug can even make a space seem larger.

3. Inadequate lighting

Lighting should be layered within a space, taking into account ambient, task and accent lighting. The guidelines of layering are function, mood and harmony. Function is based on the activities that will take place in the room. Mood conveys the feeling that you want to express. Harmony asks if all of the lighting elements in the room work with each other.

4. Art hung too high

Instead, art should be hung at eye level, although small pieces can be hung lower. As a guideline, when art is hung above furniture, make sure that it is 8 inches above the top of the piece. It should look like they sit together.

5. All matching pieces

Most people pick pieces that match because they lack the confidence in creating a space that has personality and a coordinated look. The result? Rooms that look boring. Let your personality shine by mixing in pieces you truly love.

6. Quickly picking colors

Don’t pick a paint color without considering other elements. Once you pick a color, test it. Paint your sample on a foam board and look at it in different areas and at different times of the day. Rule of thumb: “Paint is the last thing you pick but the first you apply.”

7. Wall furniture

It is natural to want to place furniture against walls. Advantages of pulling furniture away include creating a space that encourages conversation while making a large room feel more intimate.

8. Following trends

Since trends tend to change, following them can be expensive. Your furnishings need to reflect your preferences and lifestyle.

9. Colors and contrasts

Too many of these results is a visually disorienting space. Experiment with shades of the same color. This can create interesting effects.

10. Collection overload

Collections can dominate a space. Create a display area. Grouping collectables will show them off better than scattering them.