As a new homeowner, decorating can be exciting, but there are a few common mistakes that can derail your vision. Here are 10 decorating mistakes to avoid:
1. Neglecting to Plan the Space
One of the biggest mistakes is buying furniture or décor without considering the layout. Measure your space and plan how the pieces will fit and flow. This will help prevent overcrowding or awkward layouts.
2. Forgetting About Lighting
Good lighting is essential. Many new homeowners focus only on furniture, forgetting to layer lighting—ambient, task, and accent lights. Consider a mix of overhead lighting, lamps, and wall sconces for a balanced, functional space.
3. Overcrowding Rooms with Too Much Furniture
While it might be tempting to fill every corner, overcrowding can make a room feel cramped. Leave enough space for easy movement and let each piece of furniture “breathe.”
4. Ignoring the Importance of Paint
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to change a space, but choosing the wrong color can overwhelm the room. Test out swatches in different lighting before committing to a color to ensure it complements your furniture and the room’s size.
5. Matching Everything Too Perfectly
While coordinating colors and styles is great, overly matching everything can make a room feel stiff and uninspired. Mix different textures, patterns, and materials to create a more dynamic, layered look.
6. Buying Everything All at Once
It’s easy to get excited and rush to fill your home with furniture and décor, but collecting pieces over time allows you to make more thoughtful decisions. It also helps you live in the space and understand what truly works.
7. Forgetting About Storage
New homes often come with less storage than people realize, leading to cluttered spaces. Invest in storage solutions like multi-functional furniture, baskets, and built-in shelves to keep things organized.
8. Skipping the Personal Touches
It can be tempting to rely solely on store-bought items, but your home will feel more authentic and inviting if you add personal touches, like family photos, heirlooms, or art you love.
9. Not Considering the Home’s Architecture
Each home has its own architectural style, and it’s important to work with that, not against it. Be mindful of the scale, style, and period details in your home when choosing décor to ensure the look is cohesive.
10. Rushing the Process
Finally, don’t rush. Decorating is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time. Over time, you’ll get a better sense of what you like, and your space will evolve into something truly personal and comfortable.
Avoiding these pitfalls will help you create a home that’s both beautiful and functional for years to come. Which one resonates with you the most as you decorate your space?