Whether you're going for casual, traditional, or even just decorating your kid's room, these are some of the most common mistakes that are being committed again and again. It's quite surprising how many people are found guilty of these things, really. I hope you're not one of them.



Getting Furniture That Does Not Fit ? Think about it; you wouldn't wear clothes that are either too loose and baggy, or too tight and fitting on you, now would you? So why on earth would you go out and get furniture that won't fit into your room? Starting today, remember to measure the space that you have, think about where you're going to put the piece, and write it all down.

Use Too Many Patterns and Prints ? Please, don't just go around picking up any fabric or upholstered furniture you see and like. Most people do this quite often, thinking all the while that they can find a way to work around it. Plan your color scheme, select a main pattern, then find coordinating stripes, small prints, and plaids that enhance your choice.

Select one main pattern, usually a large print, then get one coordinating print, and another plaid or striped fabric. That would be enough. If you need another fabric, think about using a solid-colored texture or interesting weave.

Leaving a Rug Floating ? All the pieces and home d'cor elements in a room should be connected physically and visibly. Placing a rug on the floor effectively adds more color, charm, and that essential connection. However, a lot of rugs are still being left lying around without the edges safely tucked in under the legs of sofas, tables, chairs, etc. A rug placed in the middle of a room, unanchored, poses a safety hazard. The rug should be tucked under the front legs of chairs, sofas, and tables.

Push All the Furniture Up Against the Wall ? A lot of people have this misconception that a room looks larger if they push up all their furniture against the wall, leaving the middle of the floor open. But the opposite is true. Place some of the furniture into groups in the center, unless you want to clear out the floor for dancing. You can perhaps place a sofa with a table behind it, or you can arrange some accessories and place a lamp behind it. Move chairs out of corners and you'll have a more open, airy look in your room.

PuttingPut Out All Your Collectibles ? Whether you collect knick knacks from travels like ash trays or salt and pepper shakers or fine pieces of sculpture or one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass, you shouldn't put everything out at one time. You're in a home, not a museum. Do your best to select only the most important pieces, particularly those of monetary or sentimental value. Then throw out the rest of the stuff, if you can. If you can't bear to throw the pieces away, put them away and rotate the items on display.