Decorating your first home can feel like an exciting, yet daunting task. With no prior experience and a sea of design ideas to choose from, it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. I know I did. Looking back at my own journey of home decoration, I can’t help but laugh at some of the rookie mistakes I made.
I’ll share 13 of these blunders and how I managed to fix them. Hopefully, my experiences will help you avoid making the same mistakes and make your decorating journey smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Ignoring the Importance of Lighting
When I first started decorating my home, I underestimated the impact of good lighting. I focused more on the furniture and wall colours, neglecting how different lighting conditions would affect the overall ambiance.
I soon realized that no matter how beautiful your furniture or wall colours are, poor lighting can ruin the entire look. I found that incorporating various lighting sources, including ambient, task, and accent lighting, significantly improved the look and feel of my rooms. I added floor lamps in the living room for reading, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen for cooking, and wall sconces in the hallway for a warm, welcoming glow.
2. Overloading Rooms with Furniture
In the excitement of moving into my first home, I went overboard buying furniture. I thought that filling the room with furniture pieces would make it look more ‘complete’. However, I ended up with a cluttered space that felt cramped rather than cozy.
I learned that less is more when it comes to furniture. It is better to have a few key pieces that serve specific purposes than to cram your room with unnecessary items. I sold off some of the excess furniture and moved others to different rooms where they were needed more. This not only made my rooms look more spacious but also more organized and functional.
3. Neglecting Wall Decor
Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to wall decor. I thought that a fresh coat of paint was enough. But I soon realized that my rooms looked bland and lacked personality.
Adding wall decor was a game-changer for me. It made my rooms look more visually appealing and reflected my personal taste. I added framed artwork, mirrors, and shelves to my walls. I also learned that wall decor doesn’t have to be expensive. DIY projects and flea market finds can add a unique touch to your walls.
4. Choosing Paint Before Furniture
I made the mistake of choosing paint colours for my rooms before I had even decided on the furniture. I ended up with a beautiful grey wall that clashed horribly with my brown leather sofa.
I learned that it’s easier to choose paint colours after you’ve selected your furniture and other decor elements. This ensures that all elements of your room coordinate well with each other. I repainted my living room wall with a warm beige that complimented my sofa and rug perfectly.
5. Skimping on Window Treatments
When I first moved in, I didn’t think much about window treatments. I thought that a simple curtain or blind would suffice. But I soon realized that window treatments play a key role in controlling light, privacy, and the overall aesthetic of the room.
I invested in high-quality drapes that not only looked beautiful but also provided the right amount of light control and privacy. I also learned that the type of window treatment you choose can greatly affect the mood of the room. For instance, sheer curtains create a light, airy feel, while heavy drapes add a sense of luxury and drama.
6. Ignoring Small Spaces
I never thought to decorate small spaces like hallways, staircases, or corners. I thought they were too insignificant to make a difference. But I was wrong.
Small spaces can add a lot of character to your home if decorated thoughtfully. I added a small gallery wall in my hallway, a bench with throw pillows in a corner, and a plant on my staircase landing. These small touches made my home feel more personal and welcoming.
7. Choosing Style Over Comfort
In the beginning, I was more concerned with how my home looked than how it felt. I chose furniture for its style, not considering its comfort. This left me with a beautiful, but uncomfortable home.
I learned the hard way that comfort should never be compromised for style. Your home should be a place where you can relax and feel at ease. I swapped out my stylish but uncomfortable furniture for pieces that were both stylish and comfortable. This made a huge difference in how much I enjoyed spending time in my home.
8. Not Planning Ahead
When I first started decorating, I didn’t have a clear plan. I bought pieces that I liked without considering how they would fit into my overall decor scheme. This led to a disjointed look with clashing styles and colours.
Planning ahead is key to achieving a cohesive look in your home decor. Before buying anything, I now make a plan that includes a colour scheme, style, and layout. This helps me to make better buying decisions and avoid impulse purchases that don’t fit my decor scheme.
9. Overdoing Trends
I made the mistake of jumping on every decor trend that came along. From industrial chic to mid-century modern, my home was a mishmash of trends that soon went out of style.
While it’s great to incorporate trends into your home decor, it’s important not to overdo it. I now stick to timeless pieces for the main elements of my rooms and use trendy accessories for a touch of current style. This way, when a trend goes out of style, I can easily replace the trendy accessories without having to redo the entire room.
10. Neglecting Personal Touches
In my eagerness to create a stylish home, I overlooked the importance of personal touches. My home looked like a showroom, not a lived-in space.
Adding personal touches is what makes a house a home. I started incorporating items that have sentimental value, like family photos, heirlooms, and travel souvenirs. This made my home feel more personal and inviting.
11. Not Considering Room Function
I decorated my rooms based solely on aesthetics, without considering their function. This resulted in a beautiful but impractical home.
Before decorating a room, it’s important to consider its function. I redesigned my rooms keeping in mind their purpose and it made a world of difference. My kitchen became more efficient, my living room more cozy, and my bedroom more relaxing.
12. Not Paying Attention to Scale and Proportion
I didn’t pay much attention to the scale and proportion of my furniture and decor items. I ended up with a room that felt off-balance and disorganized.
Understanding the principles of scale and proportion can greatly enhance the look and feel of your rooms. I learned to choose furniture and decor items that are in proportion with each other and the room itself. This created a more harmonious and balanced look.
13. Buying Everything at Once
I was so excited to decorate my first home that I bought everything at once. This resulted in a lot of unnecessary purchases and a home that lacked character.
I learned that decorating a home is a process, not a one-time event. I now take my time to find the right pieces that not only look good but also have a story to tell. This approach has made my home more unique and personal.
