Top 5 Home Decorating Disasters

One of the great things about decorating your own home is that you get to input some of your personal creativity and flair in to any space. This means that you will have total freedom to get the look and feel that you want. Choosing your own paints, carpet, furnishings, or even lighting fixtures is all part of the fun in decorating your new home, or in revamping your tired décor. One problem though, is that not everything that seems like a good idea actually works in practice. If you’re taking it one step further and thinking of installing improvement yourself, then there’s even more risk to get it wrong.

If you’re thinking of redecorating, or are decorating a new home, you don’t always need to pay a professional designer. However, it wouldn’t hurt to know the top five home decorating disasters that you need to steer well clear of.

Bathroom Tiles. Tiles are a beautiful flooring choice for any bathroom. The right kind of tile will create an elegant and timeless look, and can turn an ordinary bathroom in to a luxurious escape. Homeowners need to be extremely careful not just in choosing tiles, but in installing them. Not all tiles are alike and bathroom tiles need specialized coatings and sometimes materials to keep looking their best. Installing the tiles is a critical job, and getting anything wrong can cost thousands in getting professionals to start all over again. If you have no experience in installing tiles, working with grout, or any general handy-work, then this is one home decorating disaster where a professional is needed.

Carpets. Carpets beautify and make homes more comfortable. There’s no other material that evokes luxury in the way that carpet does. Choosing carpets should not be based on looks alone, but practicality too. Light colored carpets might look elegant, but imagine how hard they can be to keep clean. If you have children and pets, then light colored carpets could be the worst choice you could make. Lifestyle comes before looks, and in the case of carpets there is a lot of care required to avoid a decorating disaster.

Lighting. Lighting is one area of home decorating that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Above all, lighting should be practical, so if you’re going for the latest in designer fixtures, make sure they allow enough luminance. Elegant and practical is the safest way to go.

Hanging decorations, artwork, and portraits. Consider that decorations, family pictures, and artwork are all to be enjoyed, so why do most homeowners place them at heights that require stepladders to appreciate? Aim for eye level height of the second tallest person in the family. Unless you’re in the NBA, going too high will only compromise your décor.

Avoid overmatching. When you’re in the bed and bath store, or any boutique decorating shop, you will notice that there are matching sets of almost any item. Placemats that match couch throws and cushions, which match curtains, which match the doormat… and it goes on. Over matching everything in your home is a decorating disaster that you will regret. Variation is what makes a décor beautiful. Your furnishings and decorations should complement each other, rather than creating a sterile and stifling look throughout your home.

Decorating your home should be about variety, practicality, and comfort. Homeowners should not shy away from style, but need to be aware of what can go wrong. In the case of renovations, always use professionals if you’re not skilled in the job. Additionally, sometimes an interior designer can be a help, even if you only bring them in for a short consultation.

With the right care and restraint your home can be as beautiful as you want it to be, as long as you know where to draw the line when it comes to home decorating.

5 Home Projects You can Start Today

When it comes to projects around the home there are usually two kinds of people involved. Those who do, and those who dream. If you’re reading this article, maybe you’re one of the latter, or maybe you just needed some ideas to get started out on a new decorating project. The first thing to understand is that making changes around your home isn’t difficult. Usually when you keep putting something off it’s because the job you’re planning is too big, or maybe you didn’t realize how easy it is to get started right away.

We’re going to look at five of the top projects for around the home that you can start right now. Not next week, or next month, but as soon as you finish reading this article.

Increase your living space. You don’t need to expand on your home to get more usable space, in fact all you need to do is open the door and go outside. Outdoor living is a great way to create new spaces to cook, eat, and entertain. Take the concept of the BBQ area to the next level with outside seating and a table. You’ll soon be on your way to creating your new outdoor kitchen and living space.

Invest in a fire pit. Similar to a bonfire but much safer, a fire pit could be just what you need to improve your outdoor space with warmth and a new focal point. There are gas burning and wood burning pits available at almost any home improvement store. They’re portable, safe, and immediately improve your outdoor space with just a small investment.

Change your curtains. Many homeowners choose the safest colors for their curtains. Neutral tones are great if you have other décor to carry some style, but in most cases curtain choices could be greatly improved. Try some new styles, colors, or even curtain types. Just be sure they complement the rest of your décor, especially the flooring.

Try outdoor lighting. When you’re going to be spending more time outside, improving the lighting is a simple way to make any space more comfortable and practical. Lighting doesn’t have to be permanent. There are numerous options on the market for solar recharged patio lights that will improve outdoor living for only a small cost.

Have your carpets professionally cleaned. This might seem like a strange entry for a home improvement, but you might be surprised at what a professional shampoo and treatment can do for tired carpets. Over time carpets can discolor, especially the lighter varieties. There is also the problem of the pile being disturbed after regular use. Vacuuming only gets you so far. A professional cleaning service could restore your carpets to near new conditions, making you feel as if you’re stepping on a whole new floor.

Redecorating is an easy way to fall in love with your home all over again. Be creative and practical, and remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have stylish new decorations or minor home improvements today.