12 Decorating Do’s & Don’ts to Follow
Posted On January 18, 2023There’s no denying that interior decorating is a daunting task, but this hasn’t stopped homeowners from taking on the challenge.
Recent studies have shown that there’s been an increase in Google searches on home remodeling from 2020 to 2021. With plenty of inspirations available on the Internet and beyond, it can be challenging to choose which cohesive theme to go with that matches your home and personal style.
Interior designers have a list of decorating do’s and don’ts to follow as a strategy in curating the perfect luxury home for their clients. Here’s what you need to know to simplify the decorating process.
The do’s and don’ts of interior design
The core of excellent interior design follows a set of guidelines. These principles ensure that you can successfully enhance any space regardless of size or your preferred style.
Following these 12 home decor do’s and don’ts, you can decorate your home just like a professional interior designer.
Do’s
Do make a mood board
Professional interior designers start with a mood board before they begin the home remodeling project proper. This tool helps them figure out the space’s general style, mood, and overall feel.
A mood board allows you to put your ideas together in one place and create one cohesive vision. It also makes the home remodeling process more straightforward.
Before heading to your local furniture store, take some time to create your mood board. Compile samples of design elements you want to incorporate into your homes, such as fabrics, wallpapers, paint, and hardware.
Do buy the right-sized rug
The right rug can elevate the overall look and feel of your home. Many interior designers recommend buying an appropriately sized area rug for your space.
For a consistent and cohesive look, the front legs of your furniture should sit atop your area rug. For smaller carpets, layering is the perfect solution. Find rugs that match one another and layer them in one space.
Do mix warm and cool colors
Designers categorize colors into two kinds; warm and cool. Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, while cool colors include green, blue, and purple.
Warm colors like brown or terracotta can make your large bedroom cozier and more generous. On the other hand, using cool colors like light blue can enlarge smaller rooms.
Instead of sticking to one color, you can mix both categories to create a well-balanced space in your home. Wood accents will warm up your room instantly, while cool hues will make your bathroom or bedroom feel refreshed.
Do consider architectural details
Crucial details like the height of your ceiling or the overall architectural style of your home affect your interior design. For instance, designers would recommend you stick with the heritage of your ornate Federation home instead of aiming for a modern look.
Additionally, if your home features high ceilings, look for furniture that will further highlight its height. Build a floor-to-ceiling shelf and fill it with ornate decorations such as books or small art pieces that speak to your personality.
By keeping these details in mind, you’ll curate a consistent interior design that looks professionally done.
Do test your paint
Before committing to one color for your walls, test them out by making large swatches on your walls. Designers recommend painting one entire square about one foot in length and height, as this would allow you to fully visualize what the room would look like with your chosen color.
Getting paint samples is more straightforward than testing them on your walls. But this strategy doesn’t consider material, texture, and sheen; the finish will likely be different once the paint is on your wall.
To avoid costly mistakes, you should test your paint correctly.
Do mix and match design elements
Many modern interior designs mix traditional and contemporary influences into one cohesive motif. Interior designers often follow the popular “80/20” mix-and-match ratio design concept.
Choose one dominant theme that will dictate the style of your furniture and an accent theme for your decoration. For instance, a modern dining set works well with colorful antique rugs as it adds color and warmth to the motif.
Don’ts
Don’t forget your empty corners
It’s common for homes to have empty corners, and you should include these in your interior design plans. An awkward nook can negatively impact your home’s chic design.
For corner decorating ideas, we recommend adding a stylish floor lamp for smaller corners to elevate your space’s look. A cozy reading nook is also an excellent feature for larger areas.
Don’t go overboard with textures and styles
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is going overboard with textures styles. For enthusiasts who want to layer rugs, designers recommend taking extra care when mixing different textures and patterns to avoid a cluttered look.
Look for carpets that are similar in color, design, or texture. Doing this ensures that your layering technique is consistent and cohesive.
Don’t place your furniture against the wall
Many people put their furniture against the wall, creating a cramped space. Keep a few centimeters of free room between your sofa and the wall to make your living room feel and look spacious.
Aside from making your space look larger visually, it also creates a better sense of flow in your home.
Don’t be afraid of experimenting with light
Scaled lighting can create a playful effect in any environment. Think of it as pairing the perfect dress with the right jewelry. Choose light fixtures that are appropriate for the size of your space.
For example, a chandelier is an elegant centerpiece for homes with high ceilings as it adds more dramatic lighting to the space.
Don’t forget about the white space
Many interior designers use white space to balance out a room’s different statement pieces and design elements. These negative spaces prevent the area from becoming too overwhelmed by the various aspects of your home.
Aside from this, it ensures that your interior design stays cohesive and clean-looking.
Don’t hang your artwork in the wrong spot.
Unless the primary purpose of your artwork is to create a gallery wall, you must hang each of them at eye level. Many people place their favorite art too high or too low for their guests to appreciate.
You want to ensure your visitors are comfortable looking at your paintings collection.
Build your dream luxury home today
While it’s true that interior design is considered a form of personal expression, there is a set of interior decorating do’s and don’ts you need to follow to create a cohesive theme that elevates any space in your home. For more inspiration on creating luxurious interior design, read our blog here.
