A lot of people, eager to change the look and feel of their home, make some big mistakes. Here are a look at the top six problems that may occur.

1. Not having a Direction

If people do not start out with a theme, or idea, in mind, the look of the room will feel random and haphazard. Simply rushing out to buy pieces for a room will not pull the room together out of luck alone. It is important to have a plan. That plan could be set around a color, a tone, or a theme. It is okay to like something but not to have to feel like you must add it to your room if it does not fit the theme.

2. Not having a Focal Point

The focal point of a room should often be chosen before anything else. It may be a feature of the room itself, such as a fireplace, or something that is purchased, such as a work of art, or fountain. The focal point should be something that is unique and fits with your personal style and taste. It should set the mood for the room. Other features in the room should be considered based on the focal point. If, for example, the focal point of a games room is the pool table, a natural direction is to place pool related art on the walls, or use the color of the pool table surface to accent the room.

3. Too many Focal Points

Sometimes people get excited and go wild with focal points. This creates confusion in a room. The room becomes one that cannot be enjoyed because there are too many visual distractions. A room like this is too overpowering to be enjoyed.

4. Too Much or too Little Color

It is a fine line to walk between having too much or too little color. Too much can be harsh, and without a theme. Too little can be dull and uninteresting. Color should be considered as a way to unite the home, using the same color trim in every room, with different wall colors will bring a house together. Even if you do not want to use the same color in every room, try to use the same tones. Remember dark walls will shrink rooms, whereas bright, light ones, will enlarge them. Black is an important color to have in every room, is it adds a grounding aspect.

5. Not Defining Space in a Large Area

In homes with open floor plans there needs to be a way of dividing the space. These large areas need to be broken up and defined. Naturally adding a wall is not the route to go, but a well placed, tall, plant, may be all that is needed. It is important to show where one living space ends and the other begins.

6. Being too Sterile

Some people like things to be neat and orderly, unfortunately this makes for a home that is not user friendly, particularly when guests are over. If things feel too hands-off even adults will not feel welcome.

Remember, before you start to decorate, have an idea of what you want to accomplish with the room, and the home as a unit. When you are shopping ask yourself if an item fits with your ideas or not. Also consider your budget, do not spend too much too soon, or you may find yourself being short later on.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Nelson.
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