Get the expert-recommended fixes for a flawlessly finished space.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
“Decorating a home is hard!”
Credit: Courtesy of Spacecrafting // Designer: Bria Hammel of Bria Hammel Interiors
says Stephanie Purzycki, CEO and cofounder ofThe Finish, a by-the-hour online interior design service.
Decorating your home is very much worth it for its positive impact on your day-to-day living.
Finishing our homes is, in some ways, the ultimate form of self-care."
Credit: Courtesy of The Finish
We asked top design experts how to fix some of the most common decorating mistakes.
With their sage advice, you’ll be pulling it all together in no time.
Top Decorating Mistakes Designers Notice
1.
Credit: Courtesy of Merinda Studio // Designers: Erin McCarthy and Mindy Turitz of Merinda Studio
“Measuring is important so that you don’t have under-scaled pieces in your space,” she says.
Having the right proportions of items in your space make it feel intentional from the very beginning."
It Feels Impersonal
“Many homes that I enter feel extremely sterile, with minimal character.
Add in two to three unique, difficult-to-duplicate elements per room.
That might be original artwork, a global textile, or anantique or vintage piece of furniture.
But it’s what’s missing from these finishes that makes a room feel incomplete.
“The bones are so important.
There are lots ofways to decorate wallswithout it costing a fortune.
One idea: Frame a collection of photos and/or kids art in matching frames for a gallery wall.
Like so much in life, to get your rooms right, you’ve gotta have a plan.
Here’s how the pros do it.
“This way, we can ensure that the same style is throughout your home.
“Get onPinterestorInstagramand find a room that’s your goal,” she says.
“Then, as your budget allows, purchase each thing on the board.”
Mood boards are a great way to see how things look together before you buy them.
Or go old-school and create anon-digital mood boardusing photos you print out and/or tear out of magazines.
Pick a Style and Stick to It
This can be hard for homeowners, but it pays off.
“you’ve got the option to move on and enjoy your home.”
It can feel like a daunting task.
Our pros reveal the things we an do to help our homes be their best.
No matter what kind of home you live in or what your decorating style is, this advice applies.
Remove the Clutter
What you take out is as important as what you bring in.
“We tell clients that in some ways, less is more,” Hakimfar says.
Murray also suggests being picky about what you allow back into your home.
Create Consistency Through Color
Hakimfar recommends using one general paint color throughout your home to help it feel cohesive.
“The initial changes we make to a house are painting and floors.
I also think it is important to have a cohesive floor throughout the house.
The wood stains should match, as well as the kinds of wood.
Another trick she loves?
If she designs a dark room, she paints the entire room.
“Walls, ceiling, trim, etc.,” she says.
“This makes it dramatic and feel truly designed.”
She also suggests investing in quality window treatments where you might, to add a layer of visual interest.
“The exterior serves as an introduction to what we can expect to see inside.
Suppose a client has a different style than what the exterior portrays.
Streamline Your Entryway
For Murray, awell-designed entryis a must.
“Most of our wallpapers feature designs with several colors.
Select what they call a “hero print” you love that at least three colors.
Determine the Right Size for Furnishings
When shopping for furniture, buy the largest pieces first.
As for rugs, “it’s difficult to purchase readymade rugs for most large living rooms.
The sizes often don’t quite fit the needs of a large space.
“Our environment has a direct influence on how we live.
A peaceful, more organized, well-balanced space will always contribute to your well-being.”
