15 Decorating Mistake Designers Always Notice

Wrong Rug Size

Rugs can transform the overall aesthetic of a room, define a space within a larger room, and, most literally, serve as the platform for furniture. The most frequent mistake designers see with rugs is choosing one too small. We get it, rugs are expensive, but the 5'x7' version of a high-end rug will still look like a cheaper choice than the 9'x12' rug you can snag at Target for half the price. In a living room, all the furniture should have at least the front legs on top of the rug, creating a pulled-together look that makes your space look polished and intentionally styled.

Incorrect Furniture Placement

Speaking of where your furniture sits, it's common to feel tempted to push all your furniture up against the walls. It might seem logical to make a space look bigger (see more of the floor, the floor feels bigger—right?), but it can have the opposite effect. More importantly, it can make your room feel disjointed without a focal point or purpose. Instead, most designers suggest pulling your furniture toward each other, creating a more intimate vignette prime for conversation (and all within reach of the same coffee table). Now you have space along the wall for that bookshelf you've been eyeing.

Forgetting Artwork

Art is your finishing touch and can make or break a space, so what's the most cringe-worthy mistake designers notice? Framed artwork that's hung too high. We're not sure how this became a standard decorating error, but stop hanging frames halfway between your entry table and the ceiling. The ideal height for artwork is eye level (or around 58 inches from the ground to the middle of the frame).

When hanging something above a piece of furniture, keep the art within inches of the top of the furniture. Your space—and the art itself—will instantly look more pulled together and higher end.

Mismeasuring Curtains

Using curtains or drapes is an easy way to incorporate more color and pattern into a space. However, designers notice that placement can be an issue for inexperienced decorators. First, you want to place window curtains, so the sides touch the window's edge. This placement helps prevent you from blocking natural light from entering the room when desired.

Also, curtains should always touch the floor. Start by hanging the drapes at least four to six inches above the top of the window frame and measure to the floor to know what size curtains are needed. This floor to "ceiling" approach creates a more dramatic and visually appealing plan.

Not Adding Personality

Fill your spaces with decor pieces that are important or sentimental to you. Decorating is a way to tell your story, so add things like your favorite books, pictures, flowers, or animal figurines throughout the space. This personalization helps distinguish your home from the images seen in magazines, but to help the room retain its professional look, remember that designers have found that things look better when designed in sets of three objects.

No Lighting Variation

Use table lamps, floor lamps, and wall scones to infuse more personality into a space. Not only does it look great, but these additional lighting sources can help establish a cozier environment instead of only using overhead lighting.

Forgetting to Add Greenery

Plants bring energy to interiors. Depending on the species, some plants might even thrive indoors during the winter so that you can enjoy a lively arrangement year-round. Use plants to add pops of color or grow edible herbs to use in your favorite recipes.

Using Dated Furniture

As much as you love your vintage hutch, it might not fit your modern space. If the furniture's size is not an issue, consider reworking the piece to meet your current decorating needs. Refinishing the wood is one way to modernize a cabinet and help it blend seamlessly into your new design.

Not Adding Warmth

Overall, your decor should be inviting, especially for a living or family room. Imitating a professional decorating style with an all-neutral look might be tempting, but it does not provide any warmth. Fix this by adding an accent color through artwork, rugs, lamps, or other finishings. If you want to stick with the neutral color palette, vary the finishings' textures to make it more visually appealing.

Not Varying Furniture Styles

You want to diversify furniture styles to make a room look professionally decorated—counterintuitive as this tip might seem. Furniture that is too visually similar doesn't create any interest. Use fabric patterns, sizes, and heights to add movements and direction to a space. The furniture choices can also help distinguish the room's intention, such as reading, dining, or encouraging conversation.

Not Varying Accent Colors

Too often, people decorate with only one accent color. The idea of adding a "pop of color" does not imply using a monochromatic color scheme throughout your entire home. Use a variation of shades or complementary colors to help accent the room. Mix a cool hue (blue, green, or purple) with a warm tone (red, orange, or yellow) for maximum balance and interest.

Designing Exclusively in One Style

Don't let defined styles determine how you decorate a space. Use a combination of your favorite elements from different "styles" to build a room that represents your aesthetic. Try mixing mid-century velvet chairs with an industrial exposed brick look. Both create a cozy space with elements of natural, earthy hues.

Not Overdecorating

Building a cohesive yet personally decorated space requires a lot of balance. You want to select artwork and finishings that complement each other but offer enough variation to make the space dynamic. Think about the room's focal point and make that design element the most visually appealing. Next, add pieces that complement your initial focal point, and remember to leave enough neutral decor. Varying textures is a great way to introduce new furnishings without overwhelming a space.

Forgetting to Emphasize the View

Exposed light, draping, color choice, and furniture styles won't matter if you ignore the architectural structure of a room. You need to design in response to a room's windows, the number of available walls, and ceiling height. Taking these fundamental factors into consideration will help create a professional design. Measure your space before adding furniture to know the exact square footage available.

Not Being Bold

If you want an awe-inspiring room, you can't be afraid to use some bold elements. If you are nervous about taking this risk, choose a bold decor item that you can easily change—don't start with a bold paint color. Throw pillows and rugs are excellent for introducing new colors and patterns into a space. Allow yourself to extend your creativity to its limit and see what new designs you can imagine.