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13 Decorating Mistakes I Stopped Making to Boost My Home’s Style

Decorating your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. You might find yourself caught up in trends or making choices that don’t reflect your personal style. Understanding the common decorating mistakes you can avoid will help you create a space that truly feels like home.

Many people struggle with the balance between trendy and timeless when it comes to home decor. By recognizing what doesn’t work, you can refine your approach and make your home look more stylish. You’ll not only elevate your space but also enjoy it much more.

Stopped Overcrowding with Furniture

Modern living room with white sofas and armchairs, a round glass coffee table with a plant, minimalist decor, neutral tones, a large window allowing natural light
Image Credit: JodiJacobson from Getty Images Signature/ Canva Pro.

Overcrowding your space with furniture can make it feel cramped and uninviting. You might be tempted to fill every corner, but that often leads to a cluttered look.

Instead, aim for balance by choosing fewer, larger pieces that enhance your room. This way, you create a more spacious and stylish environment.

Also, consider flow. Leave enough room for movement, and let your space breathe. This simple change can make a huge difference in how your home feels.

Avoided Cluttered Entryway

Wooden front door with glass panels, decorative metalwork, elegant dark wood console table, vase with yellow flowers, matching mirror above the table, polished marble floor, inviting entryway
Image Credit: francesgonzalez from Getty Images Signature/ Canva Pro.

Keeping your entryway clear makes a big difference. A cluttered space can feel chaotic right when you walk in.

To avoid this, use functional storage solutions like baskets or hooks for keys and bags.

Add a small console table for essential items and keep it minimal.

Plants or a piece of artwork can add style without making things feel cramped.

Creating a welcoming entryway sets the tone for your home.

Hung Curtains at the Right Height

Modern living room with large windows and sheer curtains, two sofas with decorative cushions, a rustic wooden coffee table with candles and decor
Image Credit: Zak Chapman / Pexels.

Hanging curtains can really change the vibe of a room. When you mount them higher, close to the ceiling, it draws the eye upward and makes your space feel larger.

Aim for about four to six inches above the window frame. This simple adjustment can elongate your walls and create an airy feel.

Also, let your curtains fall all the way to the floor. This adds elegance and prevents a chopped-up look, making your space feel more stylish and complete.

Put Away Visible Cords

Gaming setup with white and red controllers, Xbox console, television displaying gameplay, snacks in a bowl, casual indoor environment, relaxing gaming session
Image Credit: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels.

Visible cords can clutter your space and distract from your decor. Tucking them away creates a cleaner, more polished look.

Use cord covers to hide them along walls or baseboards. This simple step keeps your environment looking stylish.

Consider investing in furniture that has built-in cord management. It helps maintain your aesthetic while keeping things functional.

By minimizing cords, you’ll enhance the overall vibe of your home. Your plants, art, and furniture will shine without distractions.

Limited the Use of Patterns

Colorful, cozy seating area with vibrant cushions, green and red fabric chairs, striped blanket, bright patterns, warm tones, decorative accent pillows, modern home interior, eclectic design style
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels.

Using too many patterns can easily overwhelm a space. It’s tempting to mix prints, but sticking to one or two can create a more cohesive look.

Choose patterns that complement each other. For example, pair a bold geometric print with a subtle floral design.

This balance helps your home feel more stylish and inviting.

When in doubt, let solid colors take the lead. They provide a calming backdrop that allows your favorite pieces to shine.

Curated Wall Art Tastefully

A wall with eight framed black-and-white photographs of mountains, arranged in two rows of four, each photo with a white border and a sleek black frame, minimalist, clean aesthetic
Image Credit: Medhat Ayad / Pexels.

Choosing wall art can really elevate your space. Instead of random pieces, think about creating a curated collection that reflects your style.

Group art in a way that tells a story or creates a theme. For example, mix personal photos with prints that complement each other.

Remember to consider the size of your wall. A large piece can be a focal point, while smaller pieces work well in groups.

Hang your art at eye level for the best effect. This small detail makes a big difference in how stylish your home feels.

Avoided oversized furniture in small rooms

The stylish boho composition at living room interior with design beige sofa, coffee table, wicker baskets and elegant personal accessories
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Choosing furniture can make or break a small room’s vibe. Oversized pieces can easily overwhelm the space, making it feel cramped.

Instead, opt for furniture that fits the scale of the room. Think about multi-functional items like a sleek sofa bed or a coffee table with storage.

These options create a stylish look while keeping your space functional. You’ll notice how much airier your room feels with the right-sized furniture.

Used Light Colors to Open Up Space

A modern living room, beige sofa with cushions, plush carpet in the foreground
Image Credit: New Africa/ Shutterstock.

Using light colors in your home can dramatically change how a room feels. Light shades like whites, creams, and soft pastels can create an airy ambiance, making spaces appear larger.

When you use a lighter palette, natural light reflects better, enhancing the overall brightness. This is especially effective in smaller or open areas.

Consider painting larger wall sections with the same light color to unify the space. It gives a seamless look that helps trick the eye into thinking there’s more room than there is.

Rotated Decorative Items Seasonally

Framed "Hello Spring" sign, layered with a potted plant and purple flowers, decorative shelf styling, neutral and fresh spring decor
Image Credit: Kristen Prahl from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

Changing up your decor with the seasons can really refresh your space. It’s a simple way to keep things interesting and vibrant.

Think about swapping out your throw pillows, table centerpieces, or seasonal artwork.

For the fall, add warm colors and cozy textures. In spring, bring in fresh blooms and lighter shades to brighten things up.

This practice not only keeps your home feeling lively but also allows you to enjoy different styles throughout the year.

Kept Shelving Minimalistic

Modern Minimalist Living Room Interior Design Featuring a White Square-Spaced Bookshelf, Grey Sofa, and Plants.
Image Credit: Danielcc/Shutterstock.

When styling your shelves, less can indeed be more. Avoid clutter by showcasing a few key pieces instead of cramming everything in.

Choose a cohesive color scheme to create a clean look. You might pick books, plants, or decorative items that complement each other.

Varying the heights of your decor also adds visual interest. By keeping shelves minimalistic, you enhance the overall style of your space, making it feel more open and inviting.

Selected furniture that fits room layout

Modern living room with wooden walls, two gray armchairs, round coffee table, neutral rug, simple and minimalist decor, contemporary interior design
Image Credit: Diana BCH/ Shutterstock.

Choosing the right furniture is key to making your space feel stylish. Measure your room first, so you know what sizes will work.

Opt for pieces that suit the scale of your room. A large sofa can overwhelm a small space, while tiny furniture may look lost in a big room.

Consider the flow of traffic. Furniture should allow you and your guests to move easily around the space.

Mix heights and styles for visual interest, but keep it cohesive. This creates an inviting atmosphere and shows off your personal style.

Applied Modern Wood Stains

Vintage wood-paneled wall, mid-century modern decor, retro wooden cabinet, old-fashioned radio, black panther figurine, warm-toned interior design
Image Credit: Andrea C. Miller/ Shutterstock.

Choosing the right wood stain can instantly elevate your space. Modern wood stains come in a variety of shades and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your furniture or flooring.

You can create a warm, inviting vibe with rich, dark tones or go for a sleek, contemporary feel with lighter shades.

Don’t forget to test a small area first. This way, you can see how the stain interacts with the wood grain in your home lighting. The right stain can make a piece of wood truly shine.

Balanced Textures and Materials

Modern kitchen with sleek dark wood cabinetry, large island with stove, minimalistic white vase with flowers, comfortable dining area with two-tone upholstered chairs
Image Credit: jiang hua / Pexels.

Finding the right mix of textures and materials can elevate your space. You want to create visual interest without overwhelming the eye.

Try combining soft fabrics like velvet with harder surfaces like metal or wood. This contrast adds depth and warmth to your home.

Don’t shy away from mixing styles. Pairing rustic and modern elements can create an inviting atmosphere. Just keep it balanced to maintain harmony throughout the room.

*This article was written with the help of AI.

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