In order for a house to feel like your home, it needs to reflect your style and preferences. But it’s still important to look out for décor decisions that could unintentionally make it feel less polished. If you’re looking for that perfect balance between sleek and personal, watch out for these common home décor blunders that might be cheapening your aesthetic.
Overcrowding the Space
It goes without saying that too much clutter, including furniture or too many decorative items, can make a room feel messy and chaotic. Of course, you want to fill your space with pieces you love, but when every surface is covered, the space loses its sense of purpose and can feel overwhelming to look at.
Skipping a Cohesive Color Palette
The average person isn’t an expert in color theory, but you can still avoid clashing colors that will make your home feel disjointed and unbalanced. Instead of randomly throwing in every shade you love, try to be intentional about choosing a cohesive palette with complementary shades.
Relying on Cheap Lighting Fixtures
It can be tempting to cut costs by sticking with old or cheap lighting fixtures, but these can really bring down the feel of a room. Harsh fluorescent bulbs or flimsy fixtures are particularly common culprits. It’s better to invest in stylish, high-quality lighting, that’ll elevate your space and last for years to come.
Using Rugs That Are Too Small
You might be tempted to make use of an old rug you love even if it doesn’t really fit in well. But a rug that’s too small for your space can easily make the room look unbalanced and awkward. Ideally, the rug should anchor your furniture, with at least the front legs of sofas or chairs resting on it.
Hanging Art at the Wrong Height
A lot of people don’t put much thought into where exactly they’re putting their artwork, but this can make a huge difference. If it ends up too high or low, this can throw off the proportions of a room. A good rule of thumb is to hang pieces at eye level, around 57 inches from the floor to be precise.
Choosing Matching Furniture Sets
Many people are drawn to matching furniture sets for their convenience and price, but the problem is that they often lack personality, making your house feel more like a showroom than a home. Instead, we’d recommend mixing different textures, materials, and styles together to add a sense of depth and interest to your space.
Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Furniture or décor that’s too big or small for your room can disrupt the balance and flow. A massive sectional in a tiny living room or a miniature coffee table in a spacious den can feel awkward. Always measure your space and choose pieces that fit appropriately.
Leaving Windows Bare
As you may have noticed, completely bare windows can make a space feel unfinished and stark. We all know that natural light is beautiful, but curtains or shades can still let the light in and soften the overall vibe of the room. It’s usually best to go for simple, well-fitted window treatments that complement your décor.
Overloading on Trendy Décor
When a certain design or piece of furniture, it can be tempting to hop on the bandwagon immediately. But the thing is, following every design trend can make your home look dated quickly.
Too many trendy pieces can overwhelm your space and strip it of any personality. It’s best to go with timeless staples and sprinkle in a few on-trend accents instead.
Overusing Fake Plants
Sure, faux greenery can be practical, but using too many fake plants can really cheapen the look of your space. If you have a soft spot for fake plants, we’d recommend opting for a mix of high-quality faux options and real plants to keep things fresh and balanced.
Displaying Too Many Personal Photos
This one may sound controversial, but hear us out first. While family photos are lovely and sentimental, covering every surface or wall with them isn’t the best idea. This can easily make your space feel cluttered and claustrophobic. It’s a better idea to be selective and choose a few favorite images to display thoughtfully in frames that match your décor.
Poorly Styled Shelves
You might think those old shelves crammed with books and random things is charming, but can also look messy and unplanned, especially to people who aren’t used to your home. Instead, it’s usually more aesthetically pleasing to aim for balance by mixing books, decorative pieces, and negative space.
Choosing Low-Quality Furniture
When you’re on a budget, it can be hard to pass up on cheap furniture, even if it’s not the best quality. But while you may feel good about your purchase initially, you may quickly find that it looks and feels pretty flimsy. Plus, over time, these pieces wear out quickly and can drag down the overall appearance of your space.
Overlooking Lighting Layers
A lot of people depend too heavily on overhead lighting, which can make a room feel flat and one-dimensional. On the other hand, adding layers like table lamps and wall sconces creates an enticing sense of depth and warmth that’ll enhance the overall atmosphere and highlight your décor.
Keeping Worn-Out Linens
You might have a bit of a weak spot for your old linen, even if it’s old, faded, or mismatched. But deep down, you probably know that it’s only making your bedroom or bathroom feel tired. It’s best to recycle these pieces and invest in fresh, coordinated bedding, towels, and curtains if you’re ready to transform your space.
Choosing Too Many Small Décor Items
Tiny little decorations and accessories can feel cute and quaint, but they can also make a room feel cluttered and lacking focus. Instead, it’s better to mix things up by replacing some with a small number of larger statement pieces that add a touch of drama and intrigue.
Neglecting the Entryway
It’s easy to overlook your entryway and simply see it as a mundane gateway to your other rooms. But in reality, this space sets the tone for your home, and a messy or empty entrance can feel unwelcoming. You can easily fix this by adding a console table, mirror, and a few thoughtful touches like a plant or basket for keys.