Yesterday I introduced the first five decorating mistakes to avoid.  Today we’ll review the next five.  All 10 of them are avoidable and fixable – so read on!

Mistakes #6-10

6.  Mirrors On The Wrong Walls

Pay attention to what your mirror is reflecting.  Too often homeowners hang mirrors to they add confusion to the room by reflecting lots of “stuff.”  Instead, be sure to hang mirrors where they will reflect a nice view, bounce light or visually open a small space or create the feel of a window.  If you’re considering adding a mirror to any room check out this article that Terrie and I previously wrote about our Top Ten Mirrors. 

7. Art Hung Too High

Photo MarthaStewart.com

Long time readers know this is one of my pet peeves.  Art should be at eye level so it can be comfortably viewed. For detailed input read my past posts on How To Hang Art At The Right Height.

 

 

8. No Texture

Photo via Sunset.com; photo by Thomas Story

If everything in the room is smooth – like an entry with a marble floor, a lacquered table and a mirror – it will appear cold and boring.  A room needs a mix of textures to provide visual and tactile interest. Toss a chenille or nubby wool throw on a smooth leather sofa, try a burlap runner on a glass table, add an area rug over a hardwood floor. Mix textures so you have a variety of interesting surfaces.

9. Incorrect Balance And Scale

Photo EthanAllen.com

Make sure pieces in the room “play nice” together. If you’ve got a large piece of furniture – offset it with another large scale item, actual or visual. Pieces should interact well with one another, creating a sense of balance, both vertically and horizontally. Read more about balance as well as scale and proportion in articles written by Terrie.

10. Room Doesn’t Reflect Your Personality

Photo Martha Stewart.com

The rooms in your home should reflect the people who live there and their interests. Use collections, family furniture, hobbies, favorite colors, personal art and accessories to make a statement about your family.

1-10?

After looking around your home, which of the ten decorating mistakes do you need to correct? I hope Part I and Part II  have given you the awareness and inspiration needed to avoid or tackle these mistakes. If you’d like more input, feel free to ask a question by clicking on the Comment link at the end of the post or emailing solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.