How to Avoid the 5 Worst Decorating Mistakes

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By Kerry Fletcher ASID
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Avoid the 5 Worst Decorating Mistakes

Everyone decorates a little bit different, but there are several decorating mistakes that most everyone agrees on. See below for the 5 biggest decorating mistakes that many people make.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Protective Plastic Covering

Many items come in protective plastic covering so they are not damaged in shipping. The plastic covering should be removed. You should not have plastic covering on your dining room chairs, sofa, lamp shades, or any other place. This also goes for any fabric slip cover that was not made specifically for your sofa.
Step 2

Clutter Clutter Everywhere

I think we are all guilty of this to some extent, especially if you have lived in a home for many years. Someone gives you something and you don't know where to put it, so you just put it down somewhere. The next thing you know, your home is filled with lots of little knick-knacks and you are drowning in "stuff". You should go through your decor at least once a year to purge and put away items that you no longer love. Try to use one larger item instead of 3 smaller items in your decor. Attempt to display your kid's art in an organized manner. See the links below for more information on removing clutter and displaying kid art.
Step 3

Over Use of White, Beige, and Creme

When builders construct a home, they use the same beige color everywhere to not offend as many potential buyers as possible. In most cases, the paint they use is a very poor quality flat paint that collects scuff marks and is almost impossible to clean, so it should be painted over. Try using a color instead of beige. If you are color phobic, use a darker beige. Don't forget the ceilings. See the links below for selecting paint colors for your walls and ceilings.
Step 4

Cheap Plastic Fake Flowers and Plants

Just admit it, you rarely dust your fake flowers and plants. They just sit there and collect dust. The main place they like to hang out on top of kitchen cabinets. Ban the fake/faux/silk flowers, dried flowers, and plastic ivy. Leave your upper cabinets bare (maybe add some uplighting instead). If you must have fake flowers or plants, spend some money and get good quality ones. Make sure you care for them and dust them at least once a month. See the link below for how to clean faux plants.
Step 5

Decorating with Generic Items to Fill the Space

Don't purchase a piece of artwork that is the correct size just because you need something on that wall. Leave the wall bare until you find something that you really like. You need to decorate to show your personality. Be unique. Don't get what everyone else has. Shop flea markets, antique stores, and other places with one of a kind items instead of large accessory stores. Consider personalizing generic items to make them unique. Bring back accessories from your travels so you can remember your vacation every time you see the item. See the link below for adding character to your home.