I like to be positive, and this sounded like a negative topic, so I have put off writing about the top 5 decorating mistakes for a long time. But then I remembered a story my mom told me. I was 3, and she had just gotten back from a bad hair cut and styling job. It was the 60’s and mom had just gotten a Mary Tyler Moore flip hairdo. In telling the story, she said that her hair really did look bad. (I don’t remember any of this.)
She walked in the door.
3 year old me – Where did you get THAT hair?
Mom – It’s not new hair Honey, it’s a new hair STYLE.
3 year old me – Well it looks terrible.
She was so shocked, that she laughed instead of getting mad. (I don’t mind telling you, I dodged a bullet that day.)
Hopefully I have gained some tact over the years, but kept the same honesty. Here goes the 5 most common decorating mistakes (according to me.) If you disagree, that’s okay. Consider this the beginning of a discussion and not a closed topic.
1. Artwork too high.
Museums put artwork up high so you can see it from the back over everyone’s heads. In a home, it’s just awkward having it up too high. It usualy looks best just slightly above any furniture sitting below it. It there is no furniture below it, then it should be at eye level.
2. Too much furniture in the room
I am so guilty of this one. If you have too much in a room, it ends up feeling like a junk shop. If a room feels too crowded I pick the thing I like the least and just move it to another room, or better yet, get rid of it. I know it can be painful, but once you do it, the room looks so much better. It can breathe. Below is a before photo of the guest quarters.
3. Dated window treatments
If your window treatments are looking sad, and you can’t afford something new, I highly recommend just using the temporary paper shades from Lowes (less than $10 per window.) Seriously. Here is a photo of our bedroom after we moved in. Those are paper shades.
4. Obviously Fake flowers
This is my approach to decorating, so I am going to preface this by saying, not everyone agrees with me here. If you really enjoy your silk flowers, just skip this part!
I remember years and years ago when Oprah said she did not like silk flowers and only used real ones. I thought, “Of course, YOU can afford it.” It really annoyed me, I am not going to lie. But then I looked at my silk flowers and thought that they didn’t look that good. Then I wondered if there was some way to have a real look without the expense.
Most people cannot afford fresh flowers every day. And it is a hassle to go pick up fresh all of the time. So I get it, silk flowers work for a lot of people. Let me say that some of the newer ones are quite nice, and look very real. But if you have some older ones, you might just check them to see if they still look good. If you want to move away from silk flowers, here are a few options.
You can always add color another way. You can use a few dried flowers and use cuttings from your yard for a fresh look. This greenery is from a bush I trimmed. Cost = $0 Preserved boxwood is a great option or even dried hydrangeas. I do want to add that my complaint is against the flowers that are clearly fake in a clearly fake arrangement. If you are allergic, or just can’t deal with real, then try buying the nicest ones you can, and just use them sparingly. Arrange them like you would, had you cut them fresh from the field that morning. If no one can tell they are fake, then you have done it well, and no one will ever know. I knew this would be a bit controversial, but felt the need to say it any way. It is my opinion that real is best. But again it’s a lot of work cutting things from the yard. It’s not for everyone. For some it’s too much work. I get that. I know my mom, who is in her 80’s is not going to go cut branches every week. So just take this one with a grain of salt.
5. Clutter
I love stuff. I collect a lot, and I love to see it, however; it can get out of hand. If you have a lot of small things, consider keeping them contained in a cabinet rather than on top of a chest or table. Try to minimize the number of things sitting on side tables and chests. A few big items often looks better than many little things that end up getting lost.
Did I miss any? Do you disagree? I know a lot of people like artificial florals. Let’s talk! I’d love to hear what you have to say.
We’re in total agreement, especially about the artwork. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Good points…all of them. Adding to the point about artwork….when a piece is too small for the area….and it just looks swallowed.
I agree with everything you say, but recently invested in a few artificial flowers because I’m elderly and have trouble collecting greenery from the yard. Please give us a bit of leeway, here, and tell me it’s not a mistake but a practical choice in some circumstances.
As to the eye level thing, yes again—but eye level for whom? I’m barely five feet tall.
Barbara, I think if you arrange them like real flowers, then you can probably get away with it.
So true about art work! Cluttered furniture…the “extra” rooms get it especially if there is no other storage. Sometimes you just have to live with it. Have a good day! Linda
I agree with everything except the fake flowers. If they are used sparingly and look real (good quality) then I see nothing wrong with that. Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper uses them in her homes. So if they’re good enough for her then they’re good enough for me.
Yup Kelly, if you like them, then use them! I think the quality has improved over the years.
I am with you on the artwork! Iffy on the fake flowers….I am working on my feelings on some of the others l lol
Not everyone agrees on the flowers. I guess the main thing is that they look real.
i understand what you say about fake flowers, but they are not your grandmothers flowers anymore. I have several arrangements that are so beautiful you can’t tell if they are fake or not. And the vintage lines of them know days are so gorgeous . You have to be very careful what you buy, because so many do not look good. But, I am allergic to all growing flowers, even greenery, but have recently found some awesome flowers online. You must spend hours looking for the right ones but when you find then they are worth the money. I get compliments on then all the time and I don’t know if people realize they are fake or not. Even the feel of a good one is awesome. I have vintage tea roses, also have them mixed with hydrangea and gerber daisies, also lavender warped in burlap and twine in the kitchen window. They are so pretty they all make me smile. Thanks Anita
Good point Gary! Yes if you can’t tell then who would even know? I’m thinking of the big arrangements that people used to have on their dining room tables.
Gay, would you share your source(s) for good quality fakes?
i agree with you but I must admit I’m guilty of many of those. I kind of like this time of year to get a new perspective. After putting away all my Christmas decorations everything is so bare so it’s like starting over. I like bringing out accessories and even moving furniture around. Great tips, thanks.
Amen on all counts.
Sorry for the spelling errors, I just woke up. Also the Gerber Daisies are not mixed with the hydrangeas as it sounds in my comment and the lavender is wrapped in burlap with twine not warped! Haha, it to early for me!
I agree with your 5 accessments. I love flowers beyond measure and have always tried to have something to cut from my gardens. I like plants as well as they give rooms life. I understand there are many people with allergy issues and of course people are free to decorate their homes as they see fit. Other than flowers, there’s always beautiful fruit or vegetables that can be displayed to give a room life. I don’t like overly styled rooms as they take on a furniture store display “look.”
Jude, I too decorate with a bowl of green apples or pears. So that is not an additional expense. We then eat the ‘artwork’.
One helpful hint I have followed for years is, when in doubt, hang artwork in hallways (or any non-seating area) so that the middle of the piece is approximately 5’7″. In total agreement with your post. Not a fan of fake-o floral and over crowded spaces. Was guilty of both in the 70s but now a believer in negative space. Always admire how well you edit your rooms and tablescapes.
Totally agree with the artwork! Seems so many people don’t get that. Good read! Thank you.
Fake – a’la faux flowers seem to be a tough spot.
I’ve always lived by the decorating rule that every room should have something living in it – or at least something that was living. So dried flowers, a plant, big bunches of branches {one of my favourites}, fresh flowers.
Nurseries and florists offer great selections of dried floral if you don’t have it in your own yard. But even with these dried flowers the thing is to keep them refreshed as well. Nothing worse than dried hydrangea with dust on them.
On the big branches note – years ago I had a large cast iron urn in my living room filled with tall red dogwood branches. My mother asked me what is that going to be when it grows. Ha – nothing mom. It’s just me being artistic.
That’s funny Katherine! Yes faux flowers are a tough call.
I live in a cottage type home in Florida. I have it decorated in cottage style, but it is very difficult to bring in new furnishings no matter how much I love them. My home is a mixture of new and antiques that I can not bring myself to sell because of the family history behind them. From well over one hundred year old oil lanterns to wicker rockers. I know when I pass away they will all be sold in a garage sale by my daughter that does not feel the value of the family items like I do. For now they are loved and hold wonderful memories. I like to think about the people that owned them and used them in everyday life. I’m sorry to say my daughter just thinks its furniture. I have managed to tear myself away from some of it and sell, but I always regret it later. Especially when I see how someone else has used a similar piece and made it look so beautiful. So the clutter thing is very real for me too! My only hope is my granddaughter that loves vintage things. She is only 20 now and still in college but she has my heart for things unlike her mother. So I plan to tell her it is all hers if she wants any of it and see what happens in the long run. Thanks again, Anita
Gay, I have the same issue in that I have lots of old refinished furniture I have painted and which I love but my daughters see as clutter and junk. I hope your grand daughter loves your stuff enough to take it on.
Your story turned out very lovely! I view vintage furniture the same way and I’m only 33. I briefly daydream about the daily lives of the first owner. Before life left it’s little scars on the piece. Very few “heirlooms” in my family, so you will often find me at a flea market. 🙂 What a wonderful little piece of you in your granddaughter. Don’t just pass down the furniture.. Share your memories with her! I’m sure she will cherish the time with you. And then in turn with her grandchildren.
Gay, I have the same hope with my 8 year old granddaughter. So far she seems to have my heart for things pretty and even vintage, unlike her momma and my other daughter. My little Amelia seems to be much more like me than my own daughters, and I am loving it! 🙂
I agree whole heartedly with hanging artwork at the proper height. When the artwork is hung too high it is just like nails on a chalkboard to me.
Anita, I think you have it covered! Ditto on all points..as far as fake or fresh flowers, I prefer fresh if possible…years ago when dried flowers were in, beautiful mass arrangements of dried roses, hydrangeas and peonies, with lavender, clustered together looked great..still do, I think. They have fallen out of favour for more conventional silk or plastic which last longer…One decorating faux pas which I think is seen very frequently, is using whatever decorating trend is hot for all interiors…not always a good option…one which comes to mind is grain sacks…I love the look, but find it is overdone and not always in good taste for every decor…just thought I would contribute my honest opinion…thank you for stirring us up…N.
I tend to be guilty of the too much furniture…feeling I have to fill every space…Faux flowers…I have some but they are of the very high quality type that people have to feel to see if they are real…I have downsized my faux flowers and just have a couple here and there….I do love fresh flowers….Great tips…Have a wonderful day!!!
Shirley I am sure your flowers are lovely.
Well, Anita, your home is a perfect example of where they belong! I was so tempted to buy two gorgeous ones in Marburger with an M initial and crest right from Belgium, but I didn’t, because my decor is more Country English, I do LOVE them….and yes it is what works for YOU that belongs in your home…that’s what keeps life interesting..differences..right?
Agree X 5 especially on the faux flowers, so easy to clip greenery from the yard and have real. One more Too MANY PILLOWS and don’t chop them in the middle, too contrived!
I thought I was the only one who doesn’t like the “pillow chop”!
That’s funny. I did do some pillow chops on my bed, so I’m guilty of that one!!
Kathysue and Pam I have always hated the pillow chop look. I never understood why that is done. To straighten your pillow then chop on them:(
These are great guidelines and answers to some of the decorating questions I have. Thanks so much for this post.
*Smiles*
I agree with all you said but do not think that putting lavender (or purple dried flowers) in a pitcher on top of a book which is sitting in a chair is a good decorative move. I am a certified stager and this look seems kind of ridiculous. But you do have some very lovely things.
I also agree with Amy on the books in the chair thing with flowers in a pitcher or vase… not only does it look ridiculous it isn’t practical. I do agree with some of the points you made about clutter. I feel like I cant breath if I am in a room that is overly cluttered,
I have to laugh, Amy, after reading your comment, I looked across the room to an old, pressed back oak chair that I painted cream with dark wax,,,, it has 4 books stacked on the seat, with a plant on top and a small cottage teapot in front of it. And a hat on the top spindle (?). Via la difference! 🙂
I always have to remind my husband to hang a picture at MY eye level, not his! lol I totally agree with you, especially on the clutter. My mother in-law, who will never read this comment, has way (and I mean waaaaayyyyy) too many figurines and knick knacks in her house. Too many pictures (of family) that need to be updated. I guess you could add that. Updating family photos from time to time. Faux flowers, I have some in my milk jug, but I change them out each season. And I use faux poinsettia at Christmas. Mostly I use real. Thanks for reminded me of what I shouldn’t do!
For sure these would be the top 5…of course there are so many other ‘mistakes’ people make when decorating. Having been a re-designer for a number or years, I think I have seen them all. (probably not) Definitely number one is so common. Over a sofa I would hang the painting no higher than 6 inches above the back of the sofa. I prefer 3 or 4, but some people worry about guests hitting their heads on the artwork.
I am in agreement with really nice, quality fake floral having it’s place.
I think one of the biggest mistakes I have found is too large of furniture for the room. But having said that, I have also learned that not everyone has an eye for dimension and layout. Hence the need for Blogs like yours and designers!
Love reading other’s comments too!
I agree! The fake flowers are a no for me. And I say that knowing I have fake flowers on my kitchen window – oops! They do look real though, and the only way to have hydrangeas last for any amount of time. I did individual stems in tiny white vases. It looks good. But that is as far as fake goes for me!
Stephanie, too funny. I know I love flowers and the real ones die so fast.
Love these tips! I will offer, however, it’s all contingent upon the space. If you are decorating French Country, of course natural elements are perfect…..a modern or minimal décor space would look silly with the same, just as an English country wall chock-full of art is not considered a faux-pas. Love that you opened this for discussion.
SO TRUE!!!
I hear you on all of these tips. Overcrowded rooms can be annoying, but to me, overcrowded means too much clutter and “stuff” everywhere…on tables and shelves and every available place. I have very small rooms in my old house and although I keep the dimensions of my furniture on the small side, yes, it’s a little “cozy”. But it’s balanced and inviting.
I really agree on the faux flowers. I used to use them in urns and arrangements where you were never up so close to see them and know they were artificial. Then I totally gave it up when I found I could order all sorts of dried flowers on eBay. How cool! And they last months and months. It’s a great idea for those of us that have cold winters and can’t cut anything outdoors!
Thanks for the tips, Anita.
Jane x
I agree 100% with every mistake you cited. An easy way I brighten my blue and white kitchen is with a bowl of lemons – and it smells refreshing too. By the way, I think you wrote this with a gentle heart.
Anita, I applaud you for putting your dislikes out there! I don’t agree with the faux flowers; I like some greenery in the winter and have had no luck ever with live plants on a long term basis.
Regardless, I love your blog and do not agree with the “black eye” comment. I like the fact you step up and share your commentary with us. I follow you on FB and I look forward to each of your posts there.
Keep up the blogging, I’m reading!!
Thanks Debra, I guess I better read my comments. I think I missed that! Ha!!
These points are valid and as an artist, I agree entirely with the comment about picture height, it really irks me to see a painting hung too high (above eye level) and this is something that people don’t know unless they are informed. Possibly these points are not mistakes as such but could be noted as choices that don’t work so well.
I see that one of your readers was a little upset by this post, however I do see you trying to help those that are not quite sure about how to go about decorating a room and that these mistakes are based on your experiences and personal knowledge of decorating.
I too favour fresh flowers, although I have some faux topiary balls in my home. Fresh is best but there are some very realistic flowers around these days which look great mixed in with real foliage.
A home is very personal to an individual and your home portrays your love of French, Swedish and vintage items and a house is not a home until we inject our ‘own’ personality on it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and tips on decorating and your lovely home.
Lee
Well yes I think some of the faux plants are lovely.
Anita,
Guilty of #4, dear friend!!!
Allergies!!!
Trying the “dried” roses and may add some “dried” boxwood, too!
I am so~o~o glad you addressed the “artwork” level!
My son and I agree to disagree on this subject.
He bends over in our home . . .I break my neck looking up in his.
I’m 5 foot nothing. .. he’s 6 foot 2!!!
We view, then I smile and he shakes his head!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Well Pat, allergies are another thing. Then I think you need to do what works for you.
Oh Pat, I am sure your flowers are lovely!!
Very fun post. I’m with you on most of it, but I own up to having faux flowers. I agree they must be the very best and they must be arranged in a natural way. But people visiting always seem to think mine are real. I will add, though, that I much prefer real flowers and buy them every week. I just can’t fill the entire house on a constant basis, especially in the winter. I also think, conceptually, if people are fine with floral prints and floral paintings, then why not silk flowers which are essential floral sculptures? I do prefer faux flowers to no flowers… 😉 In other news, the artwork height is a pet peeve of mine, too. I’ll add that too low is just as bad as too high. I’m quite short and always put heels on before determining what’s eye level, because most people’s eyes are way above mine!
Yup, I hear you. I think that is the consensus. If people can’t have the real ones, then they use the silk ones.
I agree on all of those, especially the artificial flowers. I have even seen people put them in their outdoor flower boxes and planters ! What the heck !
I totally agree with #1. I live in Texas and have some Texas rustic furniture (a big tall bed) I had a beautiful large picture of a Tiger above my bed. It was probably museum level. LOL I just moved it this week and put it on a wall with a cedar chest below it and put 3 smaller pictures above the bed. It looks so much nicer. Nice to know I am beginning to get it.
I am sure your home is lovely Jill.
There is nothing negative about this post. Quite the opposite. You are sharing your knowledge and eye for decorating. We can all learn from you. I know I do. I agree with all points brought forward. May I suggest another? Leave a little space on your coffee table for a drink. So often, I see a table with every inch covered and wonder where a guest would put their drink.
When I saw the title of your article, I quickly named what I thought your five might be – got four right! Missed the dated window treatments, and you are right on the mark. Instead of the fake flowers, try real plants, like snake plant, philodendrum, African violets… All need very little care. Love this post and thanks for causing us to take an objective look around our homes!
Jan Garon I think you are totally out of line here. If you don’t like the way Anita decorates what are you doing on her blogg? She listed common decorating mistakes and says she is guilty of some of them as we all are. God forgive me for saying this but I think you are a mean vicious hateful person and I think you owe Anita an apology. Sorry Anita for going off on this person but she in my mind is the definition of the word bully.
I generally agree with real flowers being the best choice, but I’m not above giving fake flowers a try every once and a while. I tried out some fake flowers last fall and it became a fun project. I think you get the best results if you avoid colors not found in nature (i.e. choose a flower that looks similar to what you could pick in your garden or purchase at a florist).
I agree with them all BUT I have to say that these rules are for conservative styled homes. I am a very flea market find style decorator and I love putting paper or burlap flowers in a vase for a quirky look. I also like setting small paintings or prints on top of armoires and in book cases for a cottage clutter look. So, sometimes breaking the rules is necessary in order to get a look that doesn’t look like anyone else’s. I love your blog, though, because your style always inspires me!
Now paper flowers sound really intriguing to me, and artsy. I think they would be in the category of a statement piece for a room. I love paintings on top of furniture propped against that wall. I think we agree. Yay, do what makes you happy in your home.
My sister in law makes beautiful paper flowers…they look unbelievably real and add a special softness to an area.
They sound lovely Erin.
I don’t like faux flowers either. They get dusty and don’t smell pretty. With that being said, pier1 and pottery barn both have really nice faux flowers and greenery. If anyone is interested.
I agree with all your points Anita and even with the fake flowers, although I do have them in my own home in a vase or two. When I lived in Melbourne I had a picking garden, so I could have fresh flowers all through my home all year round. I loved that cottage garden. Then I moved to a tropucal climate where cut flowers barely last a day and are difficult to even buy. I chose the next best thing… big vases filled with fresh greenery and a few silk stems tucked in for colour. I figured if I calculated what I would have spent on cut flowers throughout the year, I could justify buying the very expensive silk stems. I think you have to be very careful what you buy if you are goibg to pull it off. I have a vase of white stocks and greenery that people lean in to smell all the time, so they must look real.
I had to come back and read this, after reading today’s post. (Which I pinned.) The thing is, I stopped following a blogger entirely because she wrote about mistakes in mantel decorating. She crossed too far over into subjective territory, and when someone pointed it out, she got a little miffy. I don’t like being told my taste is a mistake. I am commenting at all because I think you did quite a lovely job of handling a touchy subject. I think also, it is funny that people entirely overlocked how graciously you handled the subject of fake flowers and schooled you a little. It felt like people repeated back to you what you had already said as if they had to point it out to you. We are funny, we people. I just want to repeat that I think you did a wonderful job.
Thank you Cassandra!
It’s just hilarious how defensive people are getting over artificial flowers. Anita, you have a beautiful home and I think you give great advice, but jeez, it’s not like I read your blog (or anyone else’s) before making any decision on my house! If I disagree with you, so what? I’ll put fake flowers in my house all day long whether you like it or not! If people would get this fired up about politics maybe we could actually get some stuff done in this country!! 🙂
Good ideas. A good rule of thumb for hanging artwork is 60″ from the ground to the bottom of the frame falls pretty close to a comfortable viewing level for most people. I stay away from fake flowers all together but understand that there are many people who disagree. You can pick up a handful of daffodils from the grocer for less than $4 so it really is possible to enjoy beautiful and fresh flowers.
I would like to add one of my pet peeves and that is hanging a piece such as a wire urn with flowers or a tree branch etc in the middle of the wall. An urn should not be “floating’ on the wall so if you like this type of artwork hang it so it looks like it belongs there. And I would add scale to the list since many people cram furniture that is way too large into a space or have teeny tiny things in a room with cathedral ceilings and, lastly, what I call spin art furniture placement meaning everything is shoved up against the walls, often too far from each other to enjoy conversation or awkwardly placed.
OK..I’m done…thanks for letting me vent and thanks for the great advice.
I love this post and agree on all categories you brought up. Some feel that artificial flowers are a necessary part of their lives and that is fine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it is their house. Perhaps they could try showcasing only one “kind of flower” at a time instead of big formal arrangements.
I have always thought arranging just a bunch of tulips, especially at Christmas, or miniature carnations in two complimentary colors in a vase for Spring is so elegant. Easy enough to accomplish since people do shop at grocery stores that sell fresh flowers.
I have never understood the need for the pillow chop as I do not feel it makes the sofa/bed/chair pillows look comfy. I immediately want to take them off and put them on the floor. It does seem appropriate for the furniture showrooms where they are staging, I just prefer living in my home where staging is not allowed. IMHO only from Judy C
Anita I agree with all your points. I am trying to simplify my life and home and although there are many things that I wont get rid off, I know I need to declutter rooms so that they usable and relaxing. I have managed to do this with our bedroom, which is quite stark, but relaxing. Than ks for your thought provoking posts.
Agree ! X5!! This question is wayyy of the subject. Anita, what color is the little furniture piece on this post that has the clear blue glass lamp on it? Lovely:) Thank you, you know I always enjoy ALL of your posts!
Stacey Grimes
I have very mixed feelings about hanging pictures at eye level. It really depends on the height of the ceiling and the size of the picture. Paintings and other decor on the walls can draw the eye up so that ordinary 8 foot ceilings look taller than they are. If you don’t agree, please check out Betsy Speert’s Blog. She often covers the wall almost to the ceiling with decorative paintings and objects. The late, great Country French designer Charles Faudree also tended to hang his pictures high!
Successful design is a matter of scale and proportion so don’t be afraid to use your own judgement and do what looks right in your space.
Smiles from Charlotte Des Fleurs
You have hit on my pet peeve. Pictures that have been hung too high. I couldn’t agree more. Also, I agree with your assessment on the silk versus real. My problem is I have gorgeous flowers in my garden. They look so pretty out there that I tend to restrain from cutting them and bringing them indoors. I have spent years adding to my flower beds, even creatng new beds to add more. I have flowers blooming from early spring until late fall right before the snow flies. I have to get over the aversion to cutting so that my yard looks pretty and there is a habitat for the birds and butterflies. I have plenty. A few for the house shouldn’t cause problems to the hummers. Maybe this year I will change.
Anita,
I agree with all your points! I think you always handle things on your blog with tact and grace. You are an excellent decorator! How many books have the naysayers been asked to write! 😉
Blessings and keep up the good work!
I would love to know where you ladies get quality artificial flowers? I’ve been to Magnolia Market and love the quality of their stems. Anita, I totally agree with all of your points. Clutter is one of the biggest mistakes for any space.
Kari, I love these (affiliate link) http://rstyle.me/~8Kuik