1. Overcrowding the Space
I used to think that adding more décor = making the space look richer. But what actually happens is the opposite. When a room is packed with furniture, accessories, and decorative pieces, it stops feeling cozy and starts feeling chaotic.
Why it’s a mistake:
- It makes the room feel smaller.
- You lose walking space.
- Your eyes don’t know where to focus.
- Cleaning becomes harder.
How to avoid it:
- Follow the rule: “Less, but better.”
- Leave empty space — it’s part of the design.
- Choose multi-functional furniture when possible.
- Remove one item from each room and see how it feels. (You’ll be surprised!)
2. Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting changes everything — mood, warmth, color, texture. And yet, many homes rely on a single overhead light that’s too bright, too white, or too dim.
Why it’s a mistake:
- Creates harsh shadows
- Flattens the room
- Makes décor look dull
- Affects the atmosphere
How to avoid it:
Use layered lighting:
- Ambient lighting: your main light source
- Task lighting: lamps, reading lights, kitchen lights
- Accent lighting: LED strips, shelf lights, wall lights
Warm lighting almost always feels cozier and more inviting.
3. Hanging Artwork Too High (or Too Low)
I’ve done this so many times. You hang a painting, step back, and it just looks off. Most people place artwork too high, making the space feel disconnected.
How to fix it:
The center of artwork should be at eye level, usually around 145–150 cm (57–60 inches) from the floor.
This simple rule makes your walls look professionally styled.
4. Buying Everything From One Store
When all your furniture, décor, and accessories come from the same store, your home ends up looking like a showroom — not a personal space.
How to avoid it:
Mix:
- Textures
- Materials
- Styles
- Colors
- Old + new items
This is what makes a home feel warm and lived in.
5. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
A tiny rug in a large living room…
A huge sofa in a narrow space…
A lamp that’s too big for the side table…
We’ve all done it.
Why it matters:
Scale determines balance.
When the proportions are wrong, a room feels “off,” even if you can’t explain why.
Tips:
- A rug should touch at least two front legs of your furniture.
- Lamps should complement table size.
- Leave space around large furniture.
6. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls
This is one of the most common beginner mistakes. It makes the room feel empty in the middle and overly stretched at the edges.
Try this instead:
- Bring furniture closer together.
- Create conversation areas.
- Float sofas or chairs away from the wall when possible.
Your home will instantly look more elegant and intentional.
7. Ignoring the Power of Texture
Many rooms feel “flat” without you knowing why. The reason is usually texture — or the lack of it.
Add texture with:
- Rugs
- Throws
- Cushions
- Baskets
- Wood elements
- Plants
- Linen fabrics
Texture = depth, warmth, personality.
8. Choosing Form Over Function
It’s tempting to buy that stunning chair — until you try sitting on it.
Or that beautiful table — until it scratches in a week.
Rule to follow:
Your home should work for your lifestyle, not against it.
Before buying anything, ask:
- Is it comfortable?
- Is it practical?
- Is it durable?
- Does it fit my daily routine?
9. Not Having a Cohesive Color Palette
A chaotic color mix makes the room feel messy, even if everything is new and clean.
How to avoid it:
- Choose a base color (white, grey, beige, or soft pastels)
- Add 2–3 accent colors
- Repeat those colors throughout the room
This creates harmony and visual unity.
10. Forgetting About Personal Touches
Your home shouldn’t feel like a hotel lobby.
It should tell your story.
Add personal elements like:
- Photos
- Souvenirs
- Books
- Art you love
- Handmade items
- Scented candles
- Plants you care for
These small things make your home truly yours.
11. Neglecting Storage Solutions
Clutter ruins any good design — no matter how beautiful the furniture is.
Fix this with:
- Vertical storage
- Multi-functional furniture
- Baskets
- Shelving
- Drawer organizers
A clean space = a beautiful space.
12. Choosing the Wrong Rug Size
This is so common it deserves its own section.
General rule:
- Living room: rug should extend under furniture
- Bedroom: rug should extend beyond the bed
- Dining room: rug should be larger than the table
A rug that’s too small makes the room look unbalanced.
13. Ignoring the Entryway
Your entryway is the first impression of your home — yet it’s often neglected.
Simple upgrades:
- A small console
- A mirror
- A plant
- Hooks
- A shoe bench
Small effort, big impact.
✨ Final Thoughts
Decorating is a journey.
You’ll make mistakes — we all do.
But with awareness and a few small changes, you can transform your home into a space that feels calm, beautiful, and authentically you.
The key is balance:
Not too full, not too empty.
Not too bright, not too dull.
Not too matching, not too mismatched.
Your home doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to feel right.
