1 Buying area rugs that are too small
An area rug should allow for a 12- to 16-inch border of flooring around a room's perimeter; anything smaller, and the rug will look too insignificant. Remember: The front legs of your furniture should sit on the area rug, so the rug doesn't appear to "float" in the middle of the room.
2 Purchasing furniture before measuring a room
In their excitement, many homeowners buy items before taking possession of their new home. However, when the furniture arrives, it often doesn't fit through the door or is too long or too deep for the room. Rather than making buying decisions based solely on a floor plan, live in your space for a while -- you'll make better choices.
3 Picking wall colours that are too pale
The larger the space you're painting, the more tonal depth your wall colour needs to have. If your home features an open plan, when deciding on the main colour, select one that's slightly darker than you'd normally choose for a small room.
4 Going without a headboard
The head of the bed is the focal point of any bedroom, but many people tend to overlook the headboard. If you don't have one, add interest with eye-catching artwork or a decorative tapestry, or paint the wall behind the bed a dramatic colour.
5 Decorating without help
It's costly, difficult and emotional, so why not get the help of a professional? For a small percentage of your overall budget, you'll have the guarantee that your project will look great for years to come.
6 Decorating around something you don't love
Chances are, if you don't like it today, you won't like it tomorrow. Don't continue to invest in decor and accessories to match the item; get rid of it, have it refinished or store it in the garage or basement.
7 Buying too many small accessories
Forgoing trendy accessories for a year or two could save you enough money to buy a substantial piece of furniture you'll have forever.
8 Hanging artwork too high
The bottom of the artwork should be eight to 10 inches above the top of a piece of furniture, be it a headboard, sofa or credenza. In a hallway or stairwell, hang art so that the middle of the work is 66 inches from the floor or steps.
Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel
