Your home is your haven—a place where you relax, rest, and make memories. Shoddy design choices, though, can take your cozy nest and turn it into a confining, dismal mess. Or, if decorating a new-to-you room or remodeling your abode, avoid common pitfalls that will lead you to a fabulous and functional living space.
If you are looking for affordable home design in Canada, stay away from these faux pas. Following are seven serious decorating don’ts that individuals make—and how to fix them!
Choosing the Incorrect Wall Color Without Testing
We have all been there—you see a gorgeous shade of paint in a magazine or website, but once you put it on your walls, it looks really different. Lighting (artificial and natural) changes how colors appear, so what might look warm and inviting in the showroom can look dead or overly harsh in your house.
How to Fix It:
- Always try out paint samples before you commit.
- Buy small sample jars and paint one area of your wall.
- Observe the color at different times of the day.
- Consider how it works with your furniture and decor.
Pro Tip: Utilize neutral colors (beige, gray, or pale white) to make rooms look bigger, while dramatic colors (navy, emerald) bring drama but serve well as accent walls.
Choosing the Wrong Lighting (Too Harsh or Too Dim)
Lighting sets the mood of your home. A room that is not well-lit appears depressing, while lighting that is too bright is like a hospital. Lampshades are selected by many based on looks alone, without regard to size and function.
How to Fix It:
- Layer your lighting: Use a mix of overhead lighting, floor lamps, and table lamps.
- Set lampshade size according to your room: A huge chandelier in a small dining room is bizarre.
- Warm white vs. cool white bulbs: Warm white (2700K-3000K) creates a cozy ambiance, whereas cool white (3500K-4100K) is perfect for task lighting.
Pro Tip: Smart bulbs allow you to control brightness and color temperature from your smartphone—perfect for setting the right mood!
Overcrowding Walls with Too Much Photos & Art
Gallery walls used to be so cool, but a room can become messy when there are too many frames. A wall with scattered photos and artwork is untidy and not stylish.
How to Correct It:
- Select one statement wall to showcase your photos or artwork.
- Uniformized frames (same color or design).
- Do not cover every inch of the wall space—less is better!
- Swap out photos seasonally to make it look fresh.
Pro Tip: Large statement artwork makes more of an impression than scores of small frames.
Ignoring the Entryway (First Impressions Matter!)
Your guests view your entryway first, yet everybody bypasses it or employs it as a cluttered repository for shoes and handbags. A boring entrance causes your whole home to be boring.
How to Fix:
- Install a mirror to give the illusion of added space.
- Install a small bench or console table for storage.
- Install peel-and-stick wallpaper for an instant facelift.
- Make it personal with a sleek rug and some decorative accents (like a vase or wall hooks).
Pro Tip: A nicely decorated entryway welcomes your guests warmly as soon as they step into your house.
Letting Wires & Cables Ruin Your Décor
Tangled cables hanging from TVs, lamps, and chargers immediately destroy a room’s ambiance. Naked wires are ugly and can even be hazardous.
How to Cure It:
- Employ cable organizers or cord covers.
- Paint cord covers to blend with your wall color.
- Conceal power strips behind furniture.
- Become wireless wherever possible (such as Bluetooth speakers).
Pro Tip: Furniture with built-in USB ports assists in minimizing cord clutter.
Piling Too Much Furniture into a Small Space
Large sofas, large coffee tables, and too many chairs can make the room look small. Most people purchase furniture that is too big for the room, so there is not much space to walk around.
How to Correct It:
- Measure your room first before purchasing furniture.
- Select multi-functional items (such as storage ottomans).
- Have sufficient walking space (at least 3 feet of space between furniture).
- Make use of mirrors to give the impression of extra space.
Pro Tip: Floating shelves save floor space without sacrificing storage.
Forgetting Functionality (Pretty But Useless Décor)
There are some homes that are magazine house-worthy—but not exactly a home you want to curl up in. If your decor is strictly for looks and not purposeful, you will be exasperated.
How to Fix It:
- Choose durable, low-maintenance fabrics (especially if you have kids or pets).
- Avoid very delicate decor that is hard to maintain.
- Make sure furniture is comfortable rather than just trendy.
Pro Tip: A beautiful house must also be livable—design for your life, not Instagram!
Final Thoughts: Design Smart, Not Hard
Avoiding these traps will give you a house that is as beautiful as it is functional. Whether you are looking for affordable home design or simply need a refreshing update, small changes make a big difference. By being considerate and not making these all-too-common errors, you can design a home that is both beautiful and functional, truly expressing your own personal tastes and needs. Effective design is all about balance—balancing the beautiful with the functional to create an atmosphere that you will adore.