25 decorating traps we don't want you to fall into

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The Stables, Gourdon, Aberdeenshire, Roundhouse Architecture Ltd Roundhouse Architecture Ltd Classic windows & doors
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Decorating our homes is a lot of fun, but it's not without its challenges, and sometimes we get so caught up in the excitement of it all that we make a classic mistake. There's certainly no shame in these common errors, even the professionals make them, but they also know exactly how to fix them, and today we're going to show you how. Whether you're designing your new home or simply redecorating, you're going to want to be aware of these traps, as they can completely undo all of your good work in no time at all.

These 25 common errors can be anything from the way you arrange your furniture, to the colour palette you use, to the way you choose accessories, in fact there's decorating traps everywhere, but with a little bit of know-how you can be certain you'll never fall into one again. So let's get into it, and arm ourselves with the knowledge of our fantastic homify professionals!

1. Never use fake flowers

Apartamento Cosmopolita, Spacemakers Spacemakers Living room

Fake flowers attract dust, and get grimy quickly, while fresh flowers will purify the air, and keep your home smelling fresh.

2. Don't get tempted by too many pillows

While we certainly love pillows, and it can feel luxurious to have a few more than you need, ultimately they are just going to get thrown on the floor every night, so don't go too overboard!

3. Overloading on ornaments

Cedar House The Chase Architecture Living room TV stands & cabinets

Packing your living room with ornaments will make it feel cluttered and musty rather than giving it the quaint and comfortable look you may have been going for, so keep it tasteful.

4. Don't fear colour

Florence Darkwood Bed homify Modern style bedroom Beds & headboards

Monochromatic colour palettes can look trendy and modern, but don't be afraid to inject the decor with a little bit of colour, it looks great, and will really liven things up.

5. Ignoring your windows

The Stables, Gourdon, Aberdeenshire, Roundhouse Architecture Ltd Roundhouse Architecture Ltd Classic windows & doors Windows

Windows need to be dressed up a little, so remember to include some nice curtains or blinds, and give them the attention they deserve!

6. Boring layouts

Tufty Time Sofa by B&B Italia Campbell Watson Living room Sofas & armchairs

We tend to position all of our furniture in corners or against walls, but try experimenting with layouts, you'd be surprised at how effective an unorthodox arrangement can be.

7. Hard to clean sofas

Open plan living room GK Architects Ltd Living room Cupboards & sideboards

You're going to spend a lot of time lazing about on your sofa, which also means it's probably going to see some spills and stains. Make sure that your sofa is easy to clean, or invest in a cover that you can throw in the washing machine.

8. Don't mount your pictures too high

HAM Screen Prints, HAM HAM Other spaces Pictures & paintings

People tend not to look above eye level, so if you've carefully chosen some artwork or photos to display, don't hang them too high.

9. Choose your lights carefully

Glass Blown Pendants over Island Holloways of Ludlow Bespoke Kitchens & Cabinetry Industrial style kitchen Wood Wood effect Lighting

Choose bright sparkling lights that will really illuminate the room to keep your home warm and inviting.

10. Floating rugs

English Rose_Purple Haze Knots Rugs Floors Carpets & rugs

It's always a good idea to anchor rugs beneath some furniture rather than leaving them floating aimlessly in the middle of the room.

11. Don't overdo the patterns

Summer Tropical Bloom Sian Zeng Tropical walls & floors Wallpaper

Fun exotic patterns can look great, but they can also overwhelm a room, so if in doubt err on the side of simplicity.

12. Oversized furniture

Natural Hide Rocking Chair puji Living room Sofas & armchairs

Be careful about the size of the furniture you choose, if it is out of proportion with the room it will make it feel cramped and claustrophobic.

13. Keep fashionable purchases to small accessories

ferm LIVING Image Photos, ferm LIVING ferm LIVING Living room Accessories & decoration

It can be tempting to blow your budget on large pieces of furniture, but it's far more tasteful to keep the more lavish purchases to accessories and ornaments.

14. Don't overmatch your furniture

Boston Light Grey Console Table and TV Unit The Cotswold Company Living room

Too much matching furniture will make your home feel like a showroom or brand catalogue, so remember to mix things up a little!

15. Uncomfortable dining room chairs

'Vintage' shabby chic white extending fir table by Sedit homify Classic style dining room Tables

Guests at your dinner parties shouldn't be distracted by their uncomfortable chairs, so make sure you try out all of your dining room furniture before you buy it.

16. Don't go too formal

'Minima' Contemporary hallway shoe storage with bench by Birex homify Modern corridor, hallway & stairs Storage

You want to feel comfortable in your own home, so don't go too formal with your decor or you'll feel like you live in an office.

17. Holding on to accessories too long

Animal Head Wall Vase rigby & mac Living room Accessories & decoration

It can be a difficult task, but sometimes it's important to go through your home and discard all the ornaments and accessories that you don't feel personally attached too. You're the one who decides what works in your home, so don't feel pressured into displaying ornaments you don't like!

18. Don't be afraid to restore vintage furniture

NINFA Las Maneta Classic style doors Porcelain Doorknobs & accessories

You don't have to keep all of your furniture in its original state, and anyway, refurbishing old pieces is a really fun project for the whole family.

19. Don't go too wacky

Daisy Chain Target Tiles Country style bathrooms Decoration

Your decor should be elegant and impactful, anything too over the top will be a short lived novelty you're sure to get over.

20. Forgetting about the hallway

steading conversion, adam mcnee ltd adam mcnee ltd Modern corridor, hallway & stairs Accessories & decoration

The hallway is generally the first thing you encounter when you walk into your house, so decorate it with the same dedication as you would the rest of your home!

21. Exposed cables

Property development , Progressive Design London Progressive Design London Kitchen Kitchen utensils

Exposed cables are one of those little details that can have a huge impact and cheapen the aesthetic of your home. If you're not sure how to go about it get an expert in to make sure all cables are tucked away and out of sight.

22. Too many photos or framed pictures

TILLSAMMANS prints Studio Lisa Bengtsson Other spaces Pictures & paintings

Here at homify we love a good gallery wall, but if you're cramming them in you'll ruin the overall effect. Choose only your absolute favourites, and make sure that each picture has enough space to be properly appreciated.

23. Pedestal rugs

Kenny&Mason Cloakrooms, Kenny&Mason Kenny&Mason Country style bathrooms Toilets

Unfortunately pedestal rugs have not aged well, so if you want a rug in the bathroom opt for a normal one.

24. Lopsided furniture

Roma Natural Walnut Bed homify Modern style bedroom Beds & headboards

Don't assume that you're working with a flat surface, you'd be surprised at how many floors aren't quite level, so if you notice anything rocking or off balance it may need some adjusting.

25. No flow to the furniture arrangement

Take Off, Una St Ives, iroka iroka Living room TV stands & cabinets

It's important that you can actually get around your home, and that guests aren't climbing over furniture. Measure up your room, and the furniture you intend to put in it, and then plan the arrangement with plenty of space between every item for foot traffic.

We're sure everyone's fallen into at least one of these traps, but those days are officially over! For more great home tips check out this article on making small rooms feel bigger.

Do you know any other classic decorating traps? Tell us in the comments!

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