Design Mistakes by Guest Blogger Jane Blanchard

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.