The Top 7 Mistakes People Make When Decorating Their Homes (And How to Fix Them)
Decorating your home should be exciting — not stressful. But somewhere between Pinterest boards and paint swatches, a lot of people start second-guessing themselves and making decisions that just… miss the mark.
The good news? Most design mistakes are totally fixable — and some are even avoidable if you know what to look for. So let’s talk about the top 7 home décor missteps I see all the time, and how you can steer clear of them (or course-correct if you’ve already gone there — no judgment here!).
1. Buying Everything From One Store
We get it — it’s easy. One click, one style, one shipment. But homes that feel designed rarely come from just one showroom floor.
Fix it: Mix it up. Blend big-box basics with vintage finds, handmade pieces, or something totally unexpected. The goal is to make your space feel collected, not copy-pasted.
2. Hanging Art Too High
This one is so common, it might as well be a rite of passage. But floating your art way above eye level can throw the whole room off.
Fix it: As a rule of thumb, the center of your artwork should be about 57-60 inches from the floor — right at average eye level. Gallery walls? Start with the anchor piece at eye level and build out from there.
3. Choosing Paint Color First
It’s tempting to pick your favorite shade and design around it — but unless you’re a paint whisperer, it’s backwards.
Fix it: Choose your furnishings and textiles first — rugs, curtains, upholstery — and then select a paint color that complements what’s already in the room. Lighting can change how a color looks, so test samples in different spots before committing.
4. Ignoring Scale
That adorable side table might look great in the store… and totally disappear in your living room. Scale matters so much — too small and things feel lost, too big and the room feels crowded.
Fix it: Map out your layout before buying. Use painter’s tape or newspaper cutouts on the floor to visualize size and proportion. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
5. Pushing All the Furniture Against the Walls
You’re trying to make the room feel bigger — I see you! But ironically, it can actually make things feel colder and less inviting.
Fix it: Float your furniture! Even just pulling your sofa a few inches off the wall or creating a cozy seating arrangement in the center of the room can make a huge difference in flow and feel.
6. Playing It Too Safe with Neutrals
Neutrals are timeless, yes. But if everything in your home is beige, greige, and cream… it can start to feel a little blah.
Fix it: Neutrals are a great base, but every room needs a little pop — a rich color, bold artwork, a patterned pillow, even a fun plant. Don’t be afraid to add something that catches the eye. Think of it like adding lipstick to a simple outfit — instant polish, no drama.
7. Forgetting That Function Comes First
Yes, it’s pretty. But does it work for your life? That show-stopping white sofa may not be worth the stress if you have three kids and a golden retriever.
Fix it: Design your space for real life. You don’t have to sacrifice style for function — just make sure everything serves a purpose, fits your lifestyle, and actually gets used.