Interior designers possess the skill to curate spaces that blend aesthetics and functionality, creating personalized and harmonious environments that cater to occupants’ needs and preferences.
They have a deep understanding of design principles, color palettes, textures, and spatial arrangements, as well as the psychological impact of spaces on people.
With that said, let’s explore designers’ perspectives on specific decor choices.
Never hang a poster without a frame.
Posters, in general, aren’t bothersome, but sometimes their casual and lazy aesthetic, often taped onto college dorm walls, look unappealing.
However, if you choose to use a poster, consider elevating its presentation by placing it in a frame. This simple step can make the poster stand out and turn it into a deliberate design choice rather than a mere space-filler.
Moreover, using the same type of frame for multiple posters can create a sense of unity among them, making them flow more cohesively throughout the space.
Popcorn ceilings are unattractive.
Popcorn ceilings create competing textures in a room, making it feel less open and visually disjointed.
On the other hand, without popcorn ceilings, a space gains an elevated and cohesive feel, allowing the walls and furniture to become the focal points while the ceiling remains unobtrusive.
A decorator assisted a friend in removing popcorn ceilings from their new condo. Although the process was time-consuming, resulting in just a free pizza and half a bottle of wine, the end result made it all worthwhile.
The space looked more inviting and aesthetically pleasing after getting rid of the popcorn ceilings.
Futons often exude a college dorm vibe.
While many people use futons as beds for visiting guests, the comfort they offer can be less than ideal.
From personal experience, sleeping on a comfortable sofa seems more preferable to enduring the discomfort of metal bars digging into one’s back on a futon.
If you frequently host guests and lack a spare room, it is highly recommended to invest in a high-quality air mattress instead of opting for an uncomfortable futon.
The advantage of an air mattress lies in its ability to be easily tucked away in the back of a closet when not in use, unlike a futon, which can be challenging to hide and may appear as an eyesore in the living space.
Bed skirts can quickly make a space appear dated.
Bed skirts can give a space a museum-like feel and may evoke memories of older generations’ decor choices.
For those who prioritize bedding that reaches the floor, an alternative suggestion is to consider investing in a platform bed.
This option can provide a similar look of a bed with extended coverage while modernizing the overall appearance and eliminating the need for a bed skirt, streamlining the bedding setup.
Fake plants and fruit may not be worth the investment.
Skipping the fake stuff and choosing real plants is a wise decision, especially considering the positive impact real plants have on the overall environment of a space.
For those who might be hesitant about their gardening abilities, there are plenty of low-maintenance plant options that are easy to care for, such as snake plants, aloe, and bamboo. These plants require minimal attention and can thrive in various indoor conditions.
Moreover, technology can be a great ally in plant care. Various apps are available that can track a plant’s growth and provide essential information about sunlight and watering requirements, taking the guesswork out of plant care and ensuring their well-being.
Achieving a cohesive room doesn’t necessitate having every piece of furniture from the same collection.
It’s common to find matching furniture sets where the bed, nightstands, and dressers share the same color and finish. However, opting for a more visually interesting approach involves mixing up your furniture selection.
For example, you could start with a fabric headboard to add a soft touch to the space, pair it with a dresser featuring a distinct wood grain, and complement them with a set of solid-painted nightstands.
The beauty of this combination lies in its flexibility – you can change it as desired, creating a contrast that adds visual interest to the room.
A similar approach can be taken in living rooms, where it’s typical to see matching sofa and love seat sets. Instead, consider choosing two different fabrics that complement each other.
This design decision reads as intentional and adds a personalized touch, setting it apart from a mere “sale” purchase.
You don’t want an outdated-looking ceiling fan in your home.
While ceiling fans are undoubtedly functional and serve a purpose for many, some personally dislike their appearance.
It’s disheartening to see people invest significant amounts of money in renovations and new furniture only to have a ceiling fan disrupt the overall aesthetic.
For those who consider a ceiling fan essential, explore various options and selecting one that seamlessly complements the overall design of the space.
Opting for a fan that blends in harmoniously rather than standing out awkwardly will enhance the overall look and feel of the room.
Traditional recliners often occupy unnecessary and excessive space.
Puffy recliners are incredibly comfortable, but many prefer to strike a balance between comfort and aesthetics in furniture choices.
Fortunately, contemporary design offers a wide range of recliners that are seamlessly designed to resemble regular accent chairs. This allows you to enjoy the comfort of a recliner without compromising on the overall look and feel of your living space.
Alternatively, you can opt for a regular chair and add an ottoman.
This versatile piece of furniture serves multiple purposes, allowing you to kick your feet up for relaxation, use it as extra seating when needed, and add a touch of color or pattern to enhance the visual appeal of the room.
By choosing furniture that combines comfort and style, you can create a more aesthetically pleasing and functional living space that suits your personal preferences.
Black bedding may initially appear appealing, but the effort required to keep it clean makes it not worthwhile.
After years of dreaming about chic black bedding, a designer finally got it. However, it soon turned into a nightmare as dust and hair accumulated constantly on the dark fabric.
The cleaning process became a headache, prompting her to seek an alternative. That’s when she discovered the solution – black accent pillows and throw blankets.
They provide the desired look without the hassle of dealing with a constantly messy duvet and pillows.
String lights are more suitable for Christmas trees than as year-round decor.
Nothing diminishes the sophistication of a space more than hanging string lights on the walls.
While the desire to incorporate lighting elements to enhance the ambiance is understandable, there are more effective ways to achieve this, such as using accent lamps.
For a playful and fun alternative, neon lights can be a better option than string lights, as they add a touch of creativity without giving the space a cheap appearance.
Excessively formal furniture is boring.
When furnishing your living room, it’s crucial to consider your everyday lifestyle.
The traditional formal living room, along with its stiff couches, chandeliers, and meticulously arranged pillows, is becoming less common as people no longer entertain in that manner.
This shift in lifestyle is important to keep in mind when choosing furniture and decor.
Formal and delicate furnishings may not be practical for modern families. As time passes and your family dynamic changes, you may find that a too-formal style doesn’t align with your evolving needs.
If you plan to have children or add pets to your household, it’s essential to think about how your living room’s design will accommodate these changes.
Those overstuffed chairs
According to home design experts, oversized recliners, especially those with built-in cup holders, are often viewed as obtrusive and impractical.
They are like as “elephant in the room,” comfortable, but also emphasizing their large and imposing presence.
Moreover, these huge recliners might not fit well in the available space. To avoid this issue, experts advise measuring the dimensions of the furniture and sketching them on graph paper.
Seeking assistance from showroom staff can also help with layout and proportion considerations.
However, some experts suggest skipping these large recliners entirely, opting for more space-efficient and visually appealing furniture options instead.
Outdated drapes gives an “old fashioned” look.
When it comes to window drapes, it’s essential to strike the right balance between modern and outdated styles.
If your drapes evoke an old-fashioned, outdated vibe that reminds you of your mother-in-law’s decor, it’s probably time for an update.
Heavy and long drapes or lace inner coverings are no longer in vogue. Instead, go for lighter, more modern designs.
Side panel curtains, complemented by beautiful hardware hung above the window, not only allow in more natural light but also draw attention to the architectural details of the windows, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the space.
‘Trendy’ furniture can get outdated quickly.
It’s essential to be cautious of trendy looks in home decor, as they can quickly become outdated and may sacrifice functionality.
For example, U-shaped couches with an ottoman in the middle may look stylish and seat a lot of people, but they can be challenging to navigate in and out of, making them less practical for everyday use.
These couches may also pose challenges when trying to optimize their placement in a room.
Similarly, floor poufs, though trendy at the moment, may not be the most practical living room purchase.
Beware of rugs that are just too small.
If you find it challenging to choose the right rug for your living room, you’re not alone.
Interior designer Marcotte points out that many clients tend to underestimate the importance of rug size, leading to the common mistake of having furniture surround a small rug, creating an awkward visual effect.
To avoid this issue, aim for a rug that is large enough to anchor the furniture in the room.
The pieces of furniture don’t necessarily need to sit entirely on the rug; instead, a good rule of thumb is to have the front third or half of the chairs and couch straddle the rug.
This arrangement will help create a more cohesive and balanced look in the living room.
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