Does the average person need an “expert” to tell them which couch to buy? Of course not—but there are a lot of common sense tips we can learn from design professionals to improve our surroundings. Take a look around for any of these décor mistakes that drive interior designers crazy. Once you’re aware of them, you’ll probably agree.
Art at the Wrong Height
If you have high ceilings or want to call attention to a favorite work, you might hang your art a few levels above where it should be. Try keeping it at eye level instead, so you can really appreciate the piece. Don’t be afraid to hang art in unexpected places (the guest bathroom, or in the stairway) if you like it there.
Too Much Clutter
We buy things because we love them, and we display them because we want to show them off. But at a certain point, our collections become clutter—especially in the living room, where we like to showcase items on tables, shelves, and in curio cases. Consider putting them away, or rotating your favorites so they’re not all out at once. Design aesthetics such as Minimalist and Modern believe in only having objects in a room that serve a purpose. While that may seem stark to you, there’s something to be said for a space that conveys calm, not chaos. And hey—it’s a lot less to dust.
Giving In to Trends
If you’ve covered every wall in your home with wooden, heartfelt message signs, take a time-out. You may be watching too much HGTV. Don’t convert your entire home to Modern Farmhouse just because you’re seeing it everywhere. Add elements if you want to, but ask yourself a few questions. Will this look dated in five years? Does my house look like everyone else’s? Is it truly my taste? Your aesthetic is one-of-a-kind, influenced by all sorts of things over the course of your life. Embrace your individuality.
Ignoring Scale
If there’s one décor mistake that drives interior designers crazy, it’s oversized furniture in a small space. Maybe you loved that sectional on the showroom floor but you didn’t bother to measure your room first. If you’re constantly knocking your shins on coffee tables and blocking pathways with furniture, you’re not leaving yourself any living space in your living space. You should start by assessing your room and strategizing how to maximize the square footage. First comes function, and if your belongings are the wrong scale, put them somewhere else in the house.