Common DIY Decorating Mistakes and How Experts Fix Them

Decorating your home is an exciting and personal endeavour, but it’s easy to fall into common DIY pitfalls that can make a space feel unbalanced or incomplete. While DIY projects offer a sense of accomplishment, some mistakes can be costly and challenging to correct. Here’s a look at some frequent decorating errors and how professionals approach them for a polished, cohesive result.

1. Ignoring Scale and Proportion

One of the most common DIY decorating mistakes is neglecting scale and proportion. Oversized furniture in a small room can feel overwhelming, while tiny pieces in a large space may seem lost.

Expert Fix:

Interior designers carefully consider the size of furniture and decor in relation to the room. They use visual weight to balance elements, ensuring that larger pieces are complemented by appropriately scaled accessories. Designers also employ layout planning tools to visualise the space before committing to specific pieces.

2. Choosing Paint Colours Too Quickly

Many homeowners select paint colours without testing them in different lighting conditions, leading to hues that appear too stark, dull, or mismatched.

Expert Fix:

Professionals recommend sampling multiple shades and observing them at various times of the day. They also consider the undertones of colours to ensure they harmonise with existing decor and natural light conditions.

3. Overlooking Lighting Layers

Relying solely on a single overhead light can make a room feel flat and uninspiring. Proper lighting requires a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and warmth.

Expert Fix:

Interior designers incorporate layered lighting by using a mix of pendant lights, floor lamps, and wall sconces to enhance the room’s mood and functionality. They also position mirrors strategically to maximise natural light and create a brighter space.

4. Cluttered or Mismatched Accessories

Overloading a space with too many decorations can make it feel chaotic rather than curated. On the other hand, mismatched accessories can create visual disarray.

Expert Fix:

Experts follow the “less is more” approach, opting for statement pieces rather than an abundance of smaller items. They also use colour palettes and textures to create a cohesive look while ensuring each item contributes to the overall aesthetic.

5. Hanging Artwork Incorrectly

Artwork placement is often an afterthought, leading to pieces that are hung too high, too low, or in an awkward arrangement.

Expert Fix:

Designers use the 57-inch rule, which positions artwork at eye level for optimal viewing. For gallery walls, they plan layouts beforehand to ensure a balanced composition that enhances the surrounding space.

6. Not Considering Functionality

DIY decorators sometimes focus solely on aesthetics, forgetting the importance of practicality. A beautiful but impractical layout can hinder daily activities.

Expert Fix:

Professionals blend form and function, ensuring spaces not only look great but also serve a purpose. They assess traffic flow, storage solutions, and ergonomic furniture placement to create a well-balanced environment.

7. Using the Wrong Rug Size

A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disconnected, while an oversized rug may overwhelm the space.

Expert Fix:

Designers ensure that rugs are properly proportioned to anchor the room’s furniture. A general rule is that at least the front legs of major furniture pieces should rest on the rug to create a unified look.

8. DIY Window Treatments Gone Wrong

Curtains that are too short or improperly hung can make windows look awkward and diminish the perceived height of a room.

Expert Fix:

Professionals recommend hanging curtains higher and wider than the window frame to create an illusion of taller ceilings. They also select high-quality fabrics and styles that enhance the room’s aesthetic while providing functional benefits like light control and privacy.

9. Inconsistent Design Style

Mixing too many styles without a clear direction can result in a home that feels disjointed rather than harmonious.

Expert Fix:

Designers develop a cohesive theme by selecting a primary design style and incorporating complementary elements. They use mood boards and digital visualisation tools to refine the concept before execution.

The Expert Touch

While DIY decorating can be fulfilling, avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in achieving a stylish and functional home. For those seeking professional guidance, Novari Collective offers expert interior design services tailored to create beautifully curated spaces with a professional finish.

Elevating Your Home with Confidence

Your home should be a reflection of your personality, style, and needs. While DIY decorating has its rewards, there’s an undeniable advantage in understanding and applying professional techniques. By learning from common mistakes and embracing expert insights, you can craft a space that is both visually appealing and functionally sound. Whether you choose to refine your DIY skills or collaborate with professionals, the goal remains the same—to create a home that truly feels like your own.