There are no decorating rules that are set in stone since everyone's tastes are different.
There are, however, standards of decorating that most people agree on.
Here are some of the most common decorating mistakes that go against common decorating standards.
photo courtesy of Ewen Roberts flickr.com/photos/donabelandewen/4105577919/
Decorating Mistake #1 - Clutter and Disorganization
There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place.
This is especially true for everyday items, such as purses, cell phones, mail, newspapers, and backpacks.
Clutter can make even the best designed homes look bad.
Clutter can also add stress, burden, and anxiety to your life.
The first step to organizing your home is to get rid of stuff - donate it or give it away to friends.
Do not hold onto clothing items you have not worn in the last 5 years because they are most likely out of style.
Get rid of shoes that hurt your feet, even if you paid a lot of money for them.
Go through your decor at least once a year to purge and put away items that you no longer love.
Instead of multiple smaller items, use one larger item in your decor.
Kids have many things, so attempt to keep them in order.
Try to Display Children's Art in a More Organized and Sophisticated Manner.
Decorating Mistake #2 - A Sea of Beige
Most new homes are constructed with beige, gray, or cream as the color scheme in order to appeal to as many people as possible.
Nobody really likes everything being the same boring neutral, especially when all of the homes in the subdivision look exactly alike.
Paint your walls a color instead of whatever neutral it came with.
If you are afraid of color, use a darker neutral.
Don't forget about painting your ceilings.
A more contemporary paint color is pure white on the walls and ceilings.
If you love neutral colors, then make sure to see the article.....How to Decorate with Neutral Colors and Not Look Boring.
Decorating Mistake #3 - Protective Plastic Covering
Furniture and accessories often come in a protective plastic covering so they are not damaged or get dirty in shipping.
The plastic covering should be removed immediately after you receive your item.
Discard any plastic covering on your lamp shades, dining room chairs, sofa, or any other item.
If you have children and are afraid of them getting your fabric dirty, consider getting a removable cover that should only be used when the child is using the furniture.
You can also reupholster the furniture in a stain resistant fabric, such as a specialty performance fabric or a leather or high quality vinyl.
Decorating Mistake #4 - Cheap Artificial Flowers and Plants
Just admit it, you rarely clean your fake flowers and plants, especially the ones on top of your kitchen cabinets.
Discard any faux flowers, plastic ivy, and dried flowers.
Buy some real living plants and cut flowers for your home. You can even take cuttings from your garden and bring them inside.
If you must have fake flowers or plants, spend extra money and get good quality ones, but make sure you dust them at least once a month (preferably once a week).
Decorating Mistake #5 - Decorating with Cheap Generic Items to Fill the Space
Decorate your home with your own personal treasures, not generic items that you are not in love with but happen to be the right size, color, and/or price.
Your entire home does not have to be decorated within a week of you moving into it.
Save your money and purchase quality items that interest you instead of cheap and generic stuff that you can afford now.
Quality items hold their value better than cheap stuff that falls apart and looks generic.
Decorate with items that you have loved continuously for the past 10 years, not what you just started loving in the past 6 months.
Consider purchasing unique vintage and/or antique items that are high quality and unique.
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