What Things to Avoid Before You Even Start with Decorating Your Home?

Whether we read magazines, books, or articles online; watch TV shows or visit decorating show houses for some great advice, it's still difficult to make a choice. When you're not a professional interior decorator, mistakes happen. They're difficult to avoid, but not impossible. It's all about learning how to create balance.

Pay more attention to size

Certain spaces demand bigger furniture. A room that's large and spacious needs furniture items that are appropriate in size and volume. Consider the scale and size of a room before starting to decorate. Assess the items you already have and think ahead about placement. This season's all about boldness and statement pieces. If you want to be dramatic, then be dramatic! Go for oversized paintings, opulent lighting systems and grandiose accessories. Don't overcrowd your home though, and keep it simple. There's just so much a lavish chandelier can do to a living space!

Lighting

For a room to appear interesting and comfortable it has to have proper lighting. Natural lighting differs from season to season, so this aspect of home decorating must not be avoided. Lighting is extremely important in people's homes. There are times when you just want to cuddle up with a good book surrounded by dim lights and scented candles, and times when you want extra light for a party. Lamps are equally important too; place them near the couch, desk or bed. Go for interesting designs and LED lighting; it's eco-friendly and long-lasting.

Test colors before painting

Painting a home is more challenging than meets the eye. A lot of people paint and then they decorate - eventually they notice that the end result is a complete mess. Paint might look amazing on a can, but in reality the hues can be completely different. If you're unsure where to start, you are advised to experiment in a small room, like a bathroom, powder room or hallway. Think about a room's mood and ambiance. Bedrooms for example, are soothing sleeping places that should look comfortable and intimate. Cool, soft colors and neutrals create the most alluring feeling, while stronger hues should be kept for other rooms of the house, such as the dining area or the kitchen; where you should feel stimulated and sociable.

Don't mix cheap with convenient

Cheap and convenient are not the same thing. We all love to save money when it comes to home décor, but that doesn't mean to invest in low quality things. A good bargain is a combination of quality and efficiency. Don't skimp on quality and skip corners because you will feel sorry down the road. Purchasing a cheap couch will have you buy another one in just a couple of months; and that's because cheap stuff doesn't last. Invest in quality fixtures that you can afford, and you'll feel much better.

Less is more

When decorating or redecorating a home there's really no need to put all your belongings on display, because rather than creating a soothing mood you risk overcrowding the decor. This can have a distracting effect, and your guests will feel suffocated instead of relaxed and restful. If you have lots of collectables, group them together and arrange them properly. Make your space seem fresh and organized by keeping things simple.

Pay attention to size. Everything has to fit right and look linear. Blinds made to measure, curtains that barely touch the floor, and furniture items that blend beautifully with the rest of the décor contribute to an elegant, fluid and refreshed design. Focus as much as you can on simple, qualitative items, and at the end of the decorating process your home will look like the most comfortable space you've ever been into.