Common errors like picking the wrong rug size, furniture layout, color palette, window treatments, and more can wreck your home decor. We asked interior designers for expert advice on how to avoid their least favorite tacky decor mistakes—and offer pro tips on what to do instead.
Meet the Expert
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Erin Williamson is the founder of Erin Williamson Design based in Austin, TX.
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Christina Kim is the principal designer and owner of New Jersey-based Christina Kim Interior Design.
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Jojo Barr is an interior designer and founder of House Nine Design Studio in London.
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Using the TV as Focal Point
“There’s no way to avoid having a TV in most living rooms, but that doesn’t mean you should arrange all furniture to orbit the black mirror,” says interior designer Erin Williamson. She advises using swivel chairs to angle seating away from the TV when it’s not in use. Extra guest chairs can be arranged as needed for viewing parties.
Blank White Walls
“Painting a dim, blank space white won’t make the room brighter,” Williamson says. The look will only be dingy and emphasize the absence of architectural character.
“Opt for mid-tone paints to create a backdrop for furnishings and accessories. Or go big and bold with dark, moody tones to create a cozy space to decompress,” she advises.
The Wrong Drapes
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The wrong drapes are guaranteed to make a room look tacky.
“Avoid fabrics with sheen like dupioni silk in casual rooms or velvets in rooms with lots of sun and heat,” Williamson says. “White curtains on white walls in rooms with little to no white furnishings are doomed to create a sense of hospital-like sterility.” Instead, Williams recommends choosing a neutral oatmeal color.
Too Much Tiny Furniture
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Too much small furniture will only make a room feel smaller—there’s no focal point for your eye to rest on.
“Clear out the clutter and choose one larger piece to anchor the space, then vary the size of surrounding furnishings to support the main character,” Williamson says.
Overly Saturated Light Blue
Pastel blues may seem like a go-to, especially for a children’s room, but choose the wrong color and the space will seem tacky.
“Be careful not to choose an overly saturated shade unless you want to end up with an Easter-inspired nursery,” Williams says. “A drop of green also helps soften icy shades so they don’t feel overly cold and unfriendly.”
Undersized Rugs
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“If I walk into a room and see a rug that is too small, I will see nothing else,” says interior designer Christina Kim.
Her rule is that all furniture legs should be on the rug or off the rug, but not a mix of both. She also advises using your judgment with scale: “If the rug feels too small, it is too small and will make the room feel choppy and uncomfortable.”
Skimpy Gallery Walls
“When it comes to gallery walls, go big or go home,” Kim says. “Make sure you have enough pieces to properly fill the wall. Pick a unifying element such as a frame color or even a wall of only black-and-white photography.”
Monotone Metals
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Only using one metal finish through the home will instantly make it look dated and tacky.
“Don’t be afraid to mix metals and finishes, which adds layers and interest,” Kim says.
Overly Short Curtains
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“I have a list of crimes against design and one of them is short curtains,” says interior designer Jojo Barr. If your curtains aren’t long enough to touch the floor, Barr suggests a roman blind.
“The only exception to the rule is a French café curtain—they can be really lovely,” Barr says.
All-Gray Decor
Instead of going with all-gray, try a nature-based palette instead. “We opt for earthy tones where possible, which helps to create a timeless space,” Barr says.
Glass Coffee Tables
“Glass coffee tables feel too corporate and cold,” says Barr. Choose one made from natural wood to create a warm and inviting space.
Read the original article on The Spruce
