We've enlisted some of today's hottest interior designers to count down the top 5 decorating mistakes found in American home design and our top solutions to help you avoid these mistakes.
By Farima Alavi, HGTV
1
Mistake: Too Many Photos
You're either a photo person or you're not. Photo people feel very sentimental and have a hard time giving up the pictures on their walls and tables.
Solution: Gallery Wall
Display your favorite photos in a gallery wall and switch them out whenever you'd like. You can organize the rest of your photos in albums by decade or event, and keep them nicely arranged on a bookshelf.
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2
Mistake: Ignoring the Foyer
The foyer is a terrific opportunity to make a statement about who you are and what your house is like. A foyer doesn't have to be something grand — any statement is better than none at all.
Solution: Make a Statement
Use paint or patterned wallpaper to add color, and hang a beautiful mirror or painting. A mirror is especially great because it reflects light and creates the illusion of more space. Use the horizontal surfaces to hold mail and keys when you first walk in.
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3
Mistake: Undressed Cables
A cluster of tangled wires clutters your home office and can be a hazard.
Solution: Organized Cords
Keep wires hidden at all times with these easy solutions:
1. Find a cord cover that matches your wall color.
2. If the furniture isn't a valuable antique, drill a hole in the back for the cords to go through.
3. Keep unused wires in a labeled storage container in an easily accessible area.
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4
Mistake: Out-of-Place Themes
A home's decor needs to be authentic and provide a sense of where you are. Decorating too much in the same print is overwhelming and tacky.
Solution: Stylish Accent Pieces
Use accents to incorporate the look you enjoy without being overwhelming. If you have a house in the mountains and love the beach, display a collection of seashells or coral in or on a bookcase or end table instead of designing an entire beach-style room.
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5
Mistake: Outdated Accessories
Don't let your rooms feel dated by hanging on to older cabinets and especially hardware.
Solution: Updated Hardware
Make small changes like switching the hardware on your kitchen or bath cabinets for a big impact.
