Top Ten Decorating Mistakes
Over and over again, I walk into clients homes and see the same decorating mistakes. Although these things may seem very minor they are often just enough to prevent that "pulled togther" look that results in an uncomfortable or uninviting room. If you pay attention to the following areas, I guarantee your room will immediately feel better. 1) Don't ignore the bones of the rooom. Make sure your focal points such as a fireplace or beautiful view are engaged by the furniture placement. If at all possible, you don't want to have your back to these. 2.) Don't hang artwork too high. Artwork should be hung 6-9" above a piece of furniture. In a hallway it should be hung so that the center of the picture is 60" above the floor which is the average persons eye level. 3.) Don't forget to add color to your room. WHITE WALLS ARE BORING!! Paint is the most inexpensive way to bring warmth and life to a room. 4.) Make sure your area rug is big enough for the space-otherwise it looks like you've put a placemat on the floor. 5.) Make sure you have accent lighting in your room. There should be 3 sources of light forming a triangle in your space. 6.) Don't keep floral arrangements too long. To avoid a dated look dried arrangements should be replaced after 3 years and silk arrrangements after 5 years. 7.) Even though you see it all the time, don't hang a mirror over a fireplace. Think about it-all it is reflecting is the bottom of the ceiling fan or light fixture. 8.) If you have collections make sure you display them together. They have more impact when grouped together than if they are scattered around the room. 9.) When diplaying items on a horizontal space such as bookshelves or kitchen cabinets, make sure you vary the height of the objects to create visual interest. 10.) Don't go shopping until you've considered a room redesign. As featured on HGTV, Redesign is also known as "one day" or "no cost" decorating. Using the furniture, artwork and accessories you already own, a redesigner can transform your home in a few short hours. For more information about decorating and redesign, visit http://www.lastingimpressionsbymissy.com or call Missy at 904-710-6510 Related: Report Abuse | MissyScherzer's blog | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version
Submitted by Marsha on Mon, 09/10/2007 - 4:15pm.
Missy, Just had to write to tell you my home would probably drive you crazy. It's a very large home but with lots of windows, very few interior walls, and nearly no large wall space at all. The house has alot of sconces so that takes up alot of what room there is, and there is also 180ft of railing that leaves no place for furniture or anything else except at Christmas. I have a mirror hanging over one side of a doublesided fireplace, but it works here because it is a sunken den and the mirror actually reflects a center dormer with stained glass, and a large flower arrangement on the second story loft. Since all of the walls are either log, or wood framing there is no drywall and I would rather die then paint the beautiful wood. I really don't want my house to look like it belongs in a magazine so I really like the concept of working with what you have and boy do I have a mixture of stuff. I shall look forward to future postings to see if you can give me some new ideas on using what already exists.
Submitted by lilyslore on Mon, 09/10/2007 - 4:33pm.
Missy, I would love to do a complete makeover on my home. Unfortunately, I have zero talent. At least it's consistent with my gardening. After watching everything I plant die, I now have very attractive silk flowers in front of my home. Wanting to grow my own tomatoes, I watched my lovely little plants become nothing more than squirrel food. Thank Zeus for Publix. :>) My "great room" is very strange. The fireplace is catty corner to the back yard wall next to sliding glass doors. It makes it impossible to accomodate either a nice living room or a large dining area. Frankly, the only solution I can come up with involves a blow torch and an ironclad alibi. Are you offering suggestions? Lily's Lore "I don't ever want to be rescued And I don't ever want to be saved I got a feelin' that I'm gonna be alive forever Dancin' on the edge of a grave..." Jim Steinman
Submitted by MissyScherzer on Tue, 09/11/2007 - 8:43am.
Missy Scherzer, IRIS,SDP Lasting Impressions Redesign and Decorating 904-710-6510 http://www.lastingimpressionsbymissy.com/ Marsha, you are so lucky! You obviosly don't have the typical "Florida" house-a sunken den, log framing,stained glass- sounds beautiful!
Submitted by MissyScherzer on Tue, 09/11/2007 - 8:47am.
Missy Scherzer, IRIS,SDP Lasting Impressions Redesign and Decorating 904-710-6510 http://www.lastingimpressionsbymissy.com/ Too funny! I also am a member of the "black thumb" club! Anytime I bring a live plant home my husband suggests that I save time and energy and just put it right into the trash can! If you email me a picture of your space I'd be happy to make suggestions. Submitted by gordman on Wed, 10/31/2007 - 8:03am.
Thanks, these tips sure help, they are very functional and I have to trust your guts, you are the expert. I recently bought new livingroom furniture and I am searching for a way to fit it perfectly in my house, somehow the colors and lights didn't match, reading your blog is a real help for me. Submitted by Angela on Wed, 10/31/2007 - 8:34am.
This is a very creative way to subvert the process and attempt to get free advertisement. Where is the morality in our country? People are talking about ...Here are the recent blog postings with the most comments. |
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Missy,
Thanks for the advise. Some common sense, some beyond. It shows the touch of a professional.
RichK