My Biggest Home Decorating Mistakes – And What I’d Do DIfferently

AVOID COMMON HOME DECORATING MISTAKES THAT MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL OUTDATED!

We’ve all been there – looking at a finished project and thinking that it didn’t turn out the way we thought it would.

Decorating is a learning process, and sometimes, you have to make a few mistakes before you figure out what works for your style and space.

I’ve had my fair share of home decor fails over the years, but that’s how you grow, right? Today, I’m sharing some of my biggest decorating mistakes (so you don’t have to make them too!) and what I’m doing differently when we move.

Buying Furniture THat’s TOo Big (or TOo Small)

Our current house is small, so finding furniture that’s comfortable but not huge has always been a struggle. My husband loves to tell the story of the oversized sectional he bought when we first moved here and how I hated it.

What I’ve learned the hard way is to always, always measure your room before shopping. Additionally, I will see how much room the furniture will take up by marking the area where it will go before buying it. (You can use painters’ tape or cardboard for this.)

Also, consider the scale of the piece in relation to the other furniture in the room. Just because it fits doesn’t necessarily mean it will look right. Make sure it feels balanced with the other pieces.

There is a website where you can make floorplans for free called Floorplanner.com. I use that often.

Avoiding this mistake will save time, money, and frustration. Plus, it ensures the room feels cohesive and inviting instead of cramped or awkwardly empty.

Going Too Trendy

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest home decor trends – I know I have.

For example, I remember when barn doors first were trending. I didn’t like them at all. But after seeing them again and again ,I decided I liked them, and we built our own barn door for our daughter’s bedroom closet.

Honestly, once again, I don’t love them. What I’m doing differently in the new house is really asking myself if I love something because it’s popular now or if it’s something I have always loved. If it falls in the latter, I know it’s a pretty safe bet.

Trends fade quickly, and you don’t want to regret your decisions. Focus on creating a classic foundation and save trendy elements for smaller decor pieces like pillows and rugs.

By balancing timeless design with small, trendy decor, you can keep your house feeling up-to-date without spending a fortune. That tip alone will prevent most home decorating mistakes.

not trusting my gut

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in decorating my home was second-guessing myself too much. I’ve even let well-meaning advice talk me out of decisions I truly loved, only to regret them later. I’m also struggling with this one in our new house because the builder and his workers have opinions that I sometimes have a hard time telling them I don’t like.

But I’ve learned that my home should reflect my style, not what’s popular or what others think (unless I’m asking for feedback, which I often do!).

An example of this is when I was buying a new couch years ago, and a relative talked me out of going with white. After two years of living with a tan sofa, I ended up buying a white slipcover for it. It wasn’t cheap to find one that fit properly, and looking back, I wish I had just trusted my gut from the start.

Planning is important, but at the end of the day, the best designed spaces are the ones that feel personal and authentic.

By listening to your instincts and choosing pieces that truly resonate with you, you can create a home that feels uniquely you – not just a copy of the latest trends or someone else’s vision.

Choosing paint colors without testing them first

I’ve learned the hard way that paint never looks the same on a full wall as it does on a tiny swatch – and it especially doesn’t look the same as it does on a computer screen!

Sometimes, paint can have undertones that clash with other elements in the house, like furniture or flooring.

Now, I always test paint before buying with the small sample pots. Paint a good-sized swatch on more than one wall and look at it throughout the day in different lighting.

Testing paint takes extra time, but it’s better than regretting a whole room of the wrong color. You can find a more in-depth guide to picking paint colors here.

Hanging Art That’s Too Small

One of the most common decorating mistakes is hanging art that’s way too small for the space. I’d find a piece I loved and hang it only to realize it looked lost on the wall. One way around that is to create a gallery wall of smaller art prints or paintings.

Choosing the right size makes a huge difference in how polished and intentional a space looks. Bigger is better; when in doubt, go for oversized art or a grouping to make a statement.

Bonus Tip: In home decorating, abundance is usually best. Think gathered curtains, layered rooms, and vases full of flowers.

Forgetting about texture

In the past, I focused so much on colors and furniture that I completely overlooked texture – and my space fell flat because of it. Without enough texture, a room can look one-dimensional and lack the warmth and coziness that makes a home feel inviting. Even with beautiful decor, if everything is smooth, shiny, or the same material, it can feel a little lifeless,

Now, I make the effort to mix in different textures to add depth and interest. Fabrics like linen, woven baskets, rustic woo,d and textured rugs all work to create a layered space. Even smaller details like throw blankets or an old painting can make a big impact.

Adding texture brings a home to life, making it feel cozy and intentional. It’s one of those small details that make a big difference!

Final Thoughts

Decorating is a process – and mistakes are part of the journey!

The good news is that every misstep teaches you something valuable about your style and what works (or doesn’t) in your space.

If you’ve made some home decorating mistakes along the way, you’re not alone! We’ve all been there, and we’re all figuring it out as we go.

Now it’s your turn:

• What’s the biggest decorating mistake you’ve made?
• What’s one lesson you’ve learned from decorating your home?

Leave your thoughts in the comments – I can’t wait to hear!

More Home Decorating Ideas:

Decorating With Vintage Home Decor

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