5 Common Decorating Mistakes Solved

Image Source | Three Birds Renovations
The start of the year can be a great time to give your home a little TLC, with mood boards, colour schemes, and checklists for the hottest decorating trends all making the rounds after New Year’s. But, if you’re giving your space an overhaul, there are some decorating pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. Read on for 5 all-too-common decorating mistakes, and our expert solutions.
1. You want to use colour throughout your house, but don’t know how to keep it from looking crazy

Image Source | Burke Decor
Solution: Use a consistent colour as a bridge between all the rooms
By choosing a staple colour throughout your home, you can make your space as bright as you like without going over the top. Remember that the key here is consistency, but you can still have a play with tones for a touch of difference from room to room. For example, you could use your chosen colour in a bold way in one room by applying wallpaper in that colour. In the next room, you might keep things subdued by painting the walls in a more muted tone.

Image Source | Atelier CVD
Another tip is to keep base boards, cornices and trims consistent throughout, usually in a neutral tone to offset any colours you use. If you don’t want to use the same colour on every wall of the house, find other colours adjacent to it on the colour wheel or in the paint deck to compliment your chosen colour. Then, make sure to carry the bridge colour through on furnishings and accessories to tie all your rooms together.
2. You want to experiment with wallpaper but it feels like too much of a commitment

Image Source | Kara Miller Interiors
Solution: Experiment with self adhesive wallpaper and decals
If you want to give wallpaper a go, but are afraid of the work involved, or what to do should you change your mind, there are ways to play without making the commitment. Our tip is to experiment with self adhesive wallpaper and decals. There are a lots of 'peel and stick' options available from sites like Etsy, which are an affordable and often temporary alternative to traditional wallpaper.

Image Source | Gen & Ben Soh
via One Kings Lane
Make sure to start in small space, such as in a powder room or desk nook to get comfortable with the pattern. You’ll also want to start down low, as you’re sure to get more comfortable with the application as you go on - no one wants that first decal to be wonky or bubbled in the middle of the wall! Don’t be afraid to give it a go, and remember, if you find it’s not your style there are ways to remove it and try something else.
3. You want to incorporate art into your home but don’t know where to start

Image Source | HAUS LOVE INTERIORS
Solution: Have a broad look online to find your style
If you’re new to the world of art, it can be daunting to know where to look for the perfect pieces, and what they’re really worth. For investment pieces, have a browse through online sites such as 1st Dibs and Chairish. These marketplace style sites curate vintage and antique pieces from around the world, providing you access to furniture and artwork of the highest quality. For unique artwork on a budget, have a chat to local art students who might be interested in creating bespoke pieces, or check out sites such as minted.com and Etsy.

Image Source | Juniper Homes
When it comes to displaying your artwork, the options are endless. For larger pieces, choose a room with a large blank wall to let the piece truly shine, and make sure not to clutter the space with unnecessary accessories. For smaller pieces, a gallery wall can look great in a range of spaces. Check out our guide on how to create the perfect gallery wall, and see our 2020 art series blogs here and here