Toilet Rugs
Toilet rugs are supposedly cut to fit around the toilet and sometimes have the carpet-like matching seat cover. This is all wrong. Opt for a regular rectangular rug placed away from the base of the toilet instead.
Too Many Photos
Photo people feel very sentimental and have a hard time giving up the pictures on their walls and tables. The solution is simply to use photo albums. When you have a lot of photographs of family, friends, and trips, organize them properly in photo albums. You can organize albums by decade or event, and then keep them nicely arranged on a bookshelf. Then try to display just a few framed pictures at a time.
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. Use paint to add color and hang a beautiful mirror or painting. A mirror is great because it’s reflective, creating the illusion of more space. Use the horizontal surfaces to hold mail and keys when you first walk in.
Undressed Cables
Keep computer, extension, and other wires hidden at all times with these easy solutions:
- Use a staple gun to attach them to the back of furniture, along baseboards, or along walls.
- Find a cord cover that matches your wall color.
- If the furniture isn’t a valuable antique, drill a hole in the back for the cords to go through.
Out-of-Place Themes
Home decor needs to be authentic and provide a sense of where you are. Instead of dressing with an out-of-place theme, use themed accent pieces. Use accents to incorporate the look you enjoy without being overwhelming. For instance, if you love the beach, display a collection of seashells or coral in or on a bookcase instead of designing an entire beach-style room.
Lopsided Furniture
Some people just don’t have an eye for furniture arrangements, so it helps to look at magazines to see what somebody else has done. If you have a sofa with a heavy bottom, don’t add a big coffee table. Instead, use something light made of glass or with legs, and add a tall, thin floor lamp to help bring your eye up and make it more dynamic.
Keeping Something You Hate
One of the biggest decorating mistakes is keeping things you really don’t like, like a carpet given as a gift. If you really hate something, just get rid of it; throw it out, give it away, or donate it. Drop hints to friends and family about your style to avoid receiving bad décor gifts.