HGTV has enlisted some of today’s hottest interior designers to count down the most popular 25 decorating mistakes found in American home design and here are MY choices of the top 10 that I most commonly see when touring homes in Southern Maryland (in addition to sinks overflowing with silk floral decor or used tires as yard decorations!) …and solutions to avoid these “double-take” mistakes, especially when you are showcasing your home to sell!
1. Toilet Rugs
Toilet rugs are cut to fit around the toilet and sometimes have the carpet-like matching seat cover.
Solution
Opt for a rectangular rug placed away from the base of the toilet.
2. Too Many Photos
You’re either a photo person or you’re not. Photo people feel very sentimental and have a hard time giving up the pictures on their walls and tables.
Solution
Create a gallery wall & display your favorite photos in a gallery wall and switch them out whenever you’d like. You can organize the rest of your photos in albums by decade or event, and keep them nicely arranged on a bookshelf.
3. Improper Lighting
In any room in the house, you want different types of lighting for various times of the day. Dimmer switches are a great secret weapon — they’re cheap, easy to install and give an entire range of control of the mood and feeling of a space.
Solution
Functional Lighting. Understand what kind of lighting you want in each space, paying attention to a room’s function when determining proper lighting. For example, under-cabinet lighting is a great addition to a kitchen.
4. Tacky Couch Covers
If you love your furniture, there are more interesting ways to protect it other than tacky thick plastic or dingy & unfitted covers.
Solution
Stylish Throws. Use a nice throw blanket that doesn’t overpower the couch and accents rather than hides the piece. Keep it simple and sleek.
5. Too Many Knickknacks, Unorganized, & Visible Clutter
Knickknacks, decorations, tchotchkes, accessories, call them what you want, but we all have too many of them, and it can make even the cleanest room seem messy. Unsightly clutter and disorganization not only contributes to a stressful life but also ruins the entire look of a space.
Solution
Display Only a Few Items. Rotate what you have, and if you really like something but it’s been out for a while, store it for a bit. You don’t have to have it all out at once and every surface should not be covered. Edit your collections so they look good as a small grouping. Add Hidden Storage. Invest in stylish storage baskets on a bookcase or shelf to keep small objects in their proper spot, or add an armoire for extra hidden storage.
6. Fake flowers
This is a controversial topic, but fake flowers (and plants) are a mistake. They gather dust and don’t bring life into your home like real flowers, which look and smell better. Fresh flowers are expensive, but there are other things you can do instead of buying them all the time.
Solution
Display a Refreshing Fruit Centerpiece. In addition to the occasional fresh flower centerpiece, you can put lemons or other fruit in a bowl for a punch of color. Or, use some dried natural material like curly willow or bamboo stalks for a fresh look.
7. Undressed Cables
A cluster of tangled wires clutters your home office and can be a hazard.
Solution
Organized Cords Keep wires hidden at all times with these easy solutions:
1. Find a cord cover that matches your wall color.
2. If the furniture isn’t a valuable antique, drill a hole in the back for the cords to go through.
3. Keep unused wires in a labeled storage container in an easily accessible area.
8. Out-of-Place Themes
A home’s decor needs to be authentic and provide a sense of where you are. Decorating too much in the same print is overwhelming and tacky. Solution: Stylish Accent Pieces. Use accents to incorporate the look you enjoy without being overwhelming. If you have a house in the mountains and love the beach, display a collection of seashells or coral in or on a bookcase or end table instead of designing an entire beach-style room.
Solution
Use accents to incorporate the look you enjoy without being overwhelming. If you have a house in the mountains and love the beach, display a collection of seashells or coral in or on a bookcase or end table instead of designing an entire beach-style room.
9. Outdated Accessories & Hardware
Don’t let your rooms feel dated by hanging on to older cabinets and especially hardware.
Solution
Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact.
10. Following Fads
From beanbag chairs to lava lamps, be careful of trends as it’s difficult to get rid of those items once the fad is gone, especially furniture.
Solution
Decorate in a style you’ll love for a long time. Have fun with it, but be ready to recycle it when it goes out of style.
Article & Photos Courtesy of HGTV.com
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Written by FARIMA ALAVI