I can hear one of my instructors saying right now – "There is really no decorating emergency, but you can have a decorating disaster." But sometime we do not make hasty mistakes. We actually take our time and still make simple décor faux pas. Let's look at a few and see how we avoid these missteps.
Rushing the production. Hurrying to try to finish the decorating is often at the root of some of the biggest mistakes. Sometimes you settle for things you do not like or absolutely hate just so that you can complete the project. Big mistake.
You run the risk of having the room look like it fell off a catalogue page or looking like a vignette on a showroom floor. In fact, making design decisions in a rush can be very disastrous. I am not talking about following your gut and instinct. I am talking about not listening to your gut and rushing the purchase.
Clutter. Too many knick knacks leave the room feeling cluttered and chaotic. I am sure you may love every piece... or do you? Edit your collection. Can't seem to make a choice – try rotating the pieces. Select a few pillows for the sofa, put the others away. Bring them out at another time, holiday or occasion. This can help to refresh your décor.
Edit the furniture in the room. If you hold large parties, do not try to have seating for all guests every day. Instead have enough your everyday needs and use multipurpose furniture to reduce the number of pieces in the room. For instance, an ottoman can be used for storage, a footrest, for a coffee or end table.
Outdated décor. I know vintage is in. But does the piece fit into your current décor? I know, the ceramic bowl belonged to your favourite aunt. But does it fit in? Will you dress up and go out in your 95 year old grandmother's clothes? You may wear her pearls or diamonds with a new updated outfit. You may use vintage linen or choice antiques if they fit. Update chairs or tables with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Install new handles, hinges and knobs.
Repurpose or reinterpret for a fresh perspective. For instance update the cushions of antique Danish chairs with bright modern fabrics. Use your grandmother's marble top washstand as a console table in your entry hall. Change out stained or dated lampshades.
Soulless décor. Decorating that is a total mismatch with your style, lifestyle and personality is soulless. Your space looks like it came out of a magazine, but you have no connection with it. It does not speak to you or speak of you. I love contemporary, comfortable modern or transitional. No gathered frothy frills, baskets of flowers or ceramic roosters. Don't decorate to please your decorator or the neighbour. Your spaces should be functional and in keeping with your vibe.
Poor layout. Even though you have a small space the furniture does not have to be pushed against the wall. Your living room can look like a dance floor. Seating too far apart is uninviting and cold. Bring the seating closer so you will not have to shout across the room to have a conversation. Measure the furniture and determine the placement that best suits how the room is to function. That includes your great-aunt's sofa and the treadmill behind the sofa. Have one primary focal point.
False economy. I have heard this too many times to remember. "I will never spend $ X.00 on that ..." But guess what? You spend one tenth of that more than 10 times on cheaper or smaller versions of the item. And you do not achieve the decorative impact. This is all the $10 store knick knacks that are on the sofa or console table. They add to the clutter. Restrain yourself purchase that 1 signature piece. It will be larger and more impactful. We do the same thing with our rugs, window treatments and sofas. We often exercise false economy by buying cheaper, compromising quality and decorative equity.
Beyond Drapery Limited
Phone: 868-678-3414
Email: beyonddrapery@tstt.net.tt
Website: www.beyonddrapery.com
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