You did your research,  pinned away, and felt inspired, but even the most loyal HGTV watchers and avid Pinterest users make mistakes when it comes to decorating their homes. Here are the top 10 biggest decorating mistakes homeowners make and how you can avoid them!

1. Placing furniture against the walls allows for more space. This might seem like a good idea, but trying to hold a conversation in a room with furniture up against the walls can be challenging and uncomfortable. Keeping your furniture pressed firmly against your walls can also make the space feel tense. Instead, try bringing your sofa and chairs closer together to create an intimate setting around a small coffee table. If there’s not enough room for a table, place it along the back of the couch to keep the space between your couch and chairs open and inviting.
2. Using a singular light source creates mood lighting. While a single light source in a room may seem like it’s creating a chic environment, one light does not provide enough light to do everyday activities like reading. Overhead lighting can also very harsh, but is something that many homeowners consider to be a simple fix for dim areas of their home. If you’re going to use an overhead light, install dimmers and soft bulbs so you can adjust the light as necessary. Table lamps should also be incorporated into the decor as an optional lighting source to use as needed.
3. 3.       Incorporating modern, decorative furniture that is uncomfortable. Some pieces of furniture may look beautiful or on trend at the moment, but if they aren’t comfortable, they are a waste of space! Would you buy a pair of shoes you couldn’t walk in? Your furniture should be able to be utilized properly and make a statement. Try reupholstering your existing furniture with a more modern pattern. This simple upgrade completely changes the look of your furniture without sacrificing comfort!  
4. 4.       Hanging  your art incorrectly. The most common mistake homeowners make is hanging their artwork too high. Make sure you hang your pieces at eye level for the most pleasurable viewing experience. For added aesthetic pleasure, arrange your photos in a unique gallery-style pattern on the main wall of the room you are decorating.
5. Randomly placing a rug on the floor. Rugs are essential in rooms with hardwood floors, and can add more versatility as well as comfort to a room. If you’re going to decorate with a rug, you’ll want to make sure the rug is proportionate to the space and touches all of the furniture in the room. Otherwise, you’ll end up with what appears to be a “floating rug.”
6. 6.       Neglecting window treatments. Natural lighting is great in any room, but a drape less window is not. Essentially, a window is just a square hole in your wall that require curtains or drapes to dress it up and make it part of the decor. Install curtain rods high on your walls and attach curtain holders to the sides so that you always have the option of leaving them open for the sunlight to pour in. Use a combination of sheer and patterned curtains for a truly unique and functional look.
7. 7.       You’ve taken matching to the extreme. The curtains, the carpet, the furniture – these items should all coordinate, but by no means should they match completely. Choose complementary colors for the different elements of the room. You can even stick to the same color family, as long as you pick different shades of that color and incorporate some in some neutral patterns.
8. Utilizing fancy, uncomfortable dining chairs. Benches and dining chairs with rigid arms make eating around the table an unpleasant experience, when sharing a meal with family and friends is supposed to be enjoyable! Look for dining chairs that are supportive, comfortable, and practical. Avoid benches or stools without backs, as this is detrimental to lumbar support. Instead, opt for armless chairs that are well-cushioned and easy to get in and out from.
9. 9.       Accessorizing quickly becomes clutter. Perhaps you have too many electronic devices in one area, with cords tangled in a power strip, or perhaps there’s simply too many accent pillows on your couch. Organizing your belongings and minimizing your accessories is a total decor game changer. Hide your electronic cords, display a few accessories, and use a couple of pillows on your couch. Clearing away visible clutter, whether it’s in the form of accessories or junk mail piled on the coffee table, will make any space look and feel larger.
10. 10.   There’s a serious lack of color. So many homeowners are afraid to step away from neutrals and add a pop of color to their living areas. It’s not as daunting as it may seem. Color can add so much to a room and you can always seek professional help from experts like CertaPro Painters of Chesapeake before committing to a color.

Create the home of your dreams by avoiding the most common decorating mistakes homeowners make!