Today, many people ignore all of the rules when it comes to decorating, which is all good and fine. Eclectic mixes of those things you truly love not only display your unique personality, they often result in rooms that are appealing, original and inviting.  That being said, there are a few decorating mistakes you absolutely want to avoid whenever possible.

Don’t create confusion while trying to blend patterns

Today, it is perfectly fine to use plaids, stripes and florals, as long as the colors blend with or enhance the theme of your decor.  However, these patterns and prints should be used in small doses, such as in throw pillows and small accent rugs.  A plaid sofa decorated with loud striped and floral accents not only looks chaotic, it looks – well, like a mess.  Either keep your furnishings a solid color and add accents containing patterns, or vice versa.

Don’t try to create space by jamming furniture against the walls

This is a decorating mistake that many people innocently make, especially when trying to make a room look more spacious.  To create an enchanting, beautiful room, arrange furnishings away from the walls, in a more intimate pattern.  You might consider placing a love seat, chairs and coffee table around a large area rug to create a cozy, more inviting atmosphere.

A sofa looks beautiful when moved out from the wall just a bit, while a sofa table set behind it displays the soft light of an accent lamp along with beautiful candles attractively.

Avoid displaying all of your collectibles at once

This is especially true if you collect many things.  Some people collect miniature tea pots or porcelain dolls, while other collect salt and pepper shakers, ceramic bells or miniature figurines.  If you have many different collections, display only one or two at a time.  Keep the others stored away, and rotate them occasionally to give the room a fresh look.

Know the rule “hang all wall art at eye level?” – break it

What really is eye level?  After all, people are different heights.  To make your walls look beautiful without making them look too uniform, vary the height at which you hang artwork, mirrors and other accents.  You certainly don’t want to hang a picture up at the ceiling, but varying the heights by about 4 to 6 inches will create an interesting and appealing look.  Also, use various shapes and sizes when accenting your walls, so that everything doesn’t look the same size.

These are some of the most common decorating mistakes people make.  Frequently, when decorating, you may decide to use a picture or accent simply because it matches the decor, not because you like it.  If you really don’t like the accessory or artwork, don’t use it!  The smartest thing you can do is to use those things you really love, those that have true meaning.

Remember these tips when decorating your home, and avoid making those common decorating mistakes that distract from how beautiful your home really is.

Updating the design of your kitchen can give it an appealing, fresh new look which is important, especially if you are considering selling your home.  If not well thought out a redesign can also create problems and cost you a bundle.  This article offers tips for renovating your kitchen the right way, without overspending or creating obstacles for yourself.

Realize that if you have a small budget, you shouldn’t visualize your kitchen with new appliances, cabinets and counter tops.  Making all of these changes can cost a fortune, so if you don’t have the budget, keep your ideas simple.  Small, affordable changes can make a huge difference in the appearance and appeal of your kitchen!

Don’t be impulsive

If you haven’t yet decided on the theme you want, don’t buy the first thing that jumps out at you.  Take a notebook along, and make notes about various accessories, kitchen ware and other gadgets you like.  If you are planning on purchasing a new faucet, new appliances or other items that are on the expensive side, comparison shop for the best price before you buy.

Choose a style that “fits” with the rest of your home

Another thing you want to avoid when renovating or refreshing your kitchen is choosing a decor that is completely at odds with the rest of your home.  While it is okay to blend styles, such as western and country, having a cottage chic kitchen and ultra-modern living room looks a little strange.

If your living room and kitchen are open to each other, it’s best to use similar colors and styles so that the rooms blend seamlessly.

Remember – all those little extras add up

For those on a tight budget, it can be easy to overspend before they realize it.  All those kitchen gadgets and decorative accessories can really add up, especially when purchased separately.  Buy one or two at a time and the cost seems reasonable, but when you add up the total you may be shocked at what you have spent!

Even if you can afford new cabinets or other high-dollar items, prepare before updating your kitchen.  Decide on the color scheme you will use, and make notes as you shop around first.  Consider your storage needs, so that there are no surprises when you have those new cabinets installed.  Also, if you have decided on a new tile floor or beautiful new counter tops, don’t forget to account for the installation fees!

Put these tips and ideas to work for you, and update your kitchen with less stress and more money left in your bank account.  Creating a plan of attack will not only ensure that you don’t spend more than you intend to, it will also result in a more beautiful and carefully coordinated look when completed.  The kitchen is one of the most used rooms of your home, so use care in making it a room that is not only beautiful, but warm and welcoming as well.

Even though interior decorating is always centered around a homeowner’s particular style, there are still certain things that should always be avoided. Some people find that they really have a knack for decorating, whereas others might need some help. Whatever your degree of decorating savvy, here are the top 5 interior decorating mistakes and how to avoid them in your home, no matter what kind of room you’re working with.

1. Interior Decorating without a Plan or Vision
One of the worst things you can do is to start decorating a room with absolutely no plan or vision. What usually ends up happening is that the room will look like it was randomly put together and nothing will flow. It’s really important to already have some sort of plan drawn out or at least a vision of what you want before you buy even one piece of décor. You don’t have to come up with anything elaborate; just a few quick ideas scribbled on a piece of paper will give you something you can work with.

2. Complementary and Contrasting Home Décor: Too Much Matching
Those people who have the tendency to want everything to match often end up with a living room, for instance, that is all tan and brown. If your goal is a monochromatic look, then this might be perfect for you. But most decorating schemes need complementary and contrasting colors added to the décor. These variations give the room something interesting that will stand out, rather than the whole room just being drowned out in one or two colors.

3. Disorganization: Decoratively Organize Your Room
Organization is one of the most important aspects of any room. A stylish décor’s not going to be noticed if the room is disorganized and a mess. Look for functional pieces as well as decorative ones when choosing items for your room. Bookcases for instance, can do a lot more than just hold books. You can put wicker baskets on the shelves to hide such items as remotes, toys, magazines, and other miscellaneous things.

It’s important to utilize any storage space you have in a room. Clothes might be stored under the bed, and bathroom cabinets might have small baskets in them for small items such as toothbrushes, floss, and other personal items. Try not to leave small items lying out all over the house. With a little creativity, you can find places to store and organize those items out of sight.

4. Getting Furniture without First Checking Room Dimensions
It’s always really important to take measurements in a room before you buy any type of furniture, whether its a television stand for your family room or wood beds for your bedrooms. You don’t want to end up having your couch take up your whole family room. And you also don’t want a couch that’s dwarfed by a huge living room space.

So be sure to plan your furniture according to the dimensions of the room. It’s also a good idea to buy your furniture first before you do anything else, as styles can be worked around the furniture and this way you’ll know how much leftover space you have to work with.

5. Pictures Placed Too High on the Walls
This is a very commonly made mistake when it comes to interior decorating. Pictures should be hung on the wall at eye level and no higher. If you’re hanging a huge portrait, however, it can go slightly higher so it’s away from the floor. In this case, the middle of the picture should be at eye level. The key is to be able to look at the artwork straight on instead of having to look up to see it.

These are just some of the most common interior decorating mistakes made by homeowners. Those who avoid these mistakes will be well on their way to a beautifully decorated home.