Styling Your Home

Styling your home is an exciting endeavor, but it's easy to make mistakes that can detract from the overall look and feel of your space. As a real estate broker, I've seen a lot of common pitfalls homeowners fall into. Here are five mistakes to avoid to ensure your home looks trendy, cohesive, and inviting.

1. Curtain Length

Curtains can dramatically influence the ambiance of a room, but getting the length wrong is a common mistake. Curtains that are too short can make the ceilings feel lower and the room less polished. Aim for curtains that either just graze the floor or puddle slightly for a more elegant look. If your curtains are too long, they can look messy and unkempt. The ideal length is often determined by the style of the room, but remember, curtains that just touch the floor tend to give a streamlined and sophisticated appearance.

2. Hanging Art Too High

Art can transform a space, but placing it too high on the wall is a frequent error. The center of the artwork should be at eye level, which is typically around 57-60 inches from the floor. In rooms where people are mostly seated, such as living rooms or dining rooms, you might want to hang art a bit lower. The goal is to create a connection between the art and the furniture, making the room feel cohesive and thoughtfully designed.

3. Rugs That Are Too Small

A rug that's too small can disrupt the balance of a room. Ideally, all the furniture in a seating area should be able to fit comfortably on the rug. At a minimum, the front legs of the furniture should rest on the rug. This helps to define the space and create a cozy, unified area. If you're dealing with a larger room, consider layering rugs for added texture and interest.

4. Ignoring Scale and Proportion

Furniture and decor should be in proportion to the size of the room. Oversized furniture in a small space can make the room feel cramped, while small furniture in a large room can feel lost and uninviting. When selecting furniture, think about the scale of each piece in relation to the room size. Use a mix of different heights and sizes to create visual interest and ensure that the room feels balanced and harmonious.

5. Overcrowding the Space

Less is often more when it comes to home styling. It's tempting to fill every corner with decor, but overcrowding can make a space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Focus on key pieces that add character and functionality to the room. Leave some areas open to give the eye a place to rest and to allow movement through the space. Thoughtfully curated spaces tend to be more inviting and relaxing. I think adding vintage and unique pieces is a wonderful way to add depth and personality to a space, but choose only the most special things to bring into your home. 

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic and functionality of your home. By paying attention to details like curtain length, the height at which you hang art, the size of your rugs, the scale of your furniture, and avoiding overcrowding, you can create a stylish, trendy, and comfortable living space for living in or staging to sell. Happy decorating!