10 Decorating Mistakes We See All the Time (and How to Fix Them)
Even the most Pinterest-worthy homes can fall into a few predictable decorating traps. As Dallas interior designers, we see the same mistakes again and again—but the good news? Most are easy to fix.
Here are the 10 decorating mistakes we see all the time—and our tips for getting it right:
1. Flat textures
A home with all flat textures can feel cold. Mix materials like velvet, rattan, linen and lacquer to add warmth, depth and variety.
2. All Bare Legs or All Skirts
Balance skirted and leggy furniture so the room feels grounded but not heavy.
3. Art hung too low or high
Aim for 60” centers across the room so the eye flows comfortably. The exception is over a sofa or mantel!
4. Only overhead lighting
Layer your lighting! Floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces bring warmth and make your home feel cozy, not institutional.
5. All new, no old
Mix in vintage or antique pieces for character. A home with a few meaningful old items feels collected, not catalog-perfect.
6. Matchy-matchy furniture
Too much uniformity feels flat. Mix styles and finishes, and aim for at least three different time periods for interest. Think of the British look - it feels authentic because it has been layered in over generations.
7. Rugs that are too small
Anchor the room and create zones. At a bare minimum, the front legs of sofas and chairs should sit on the rug, not float around it.
8. Ignoring scale
Use painter’s tape or a floor plan to test proportions of furniture or decor first before you buy.
9. Curtains that don’t fit
Hang curtains high and wide so your windows look bigger (never smaller!).
10. Furniture hugging the walls
Floating pieces away from walls creates conversation zones and more inviting spaces. Don’t be afraid to experiment with layouts!
Even if you’ve made some of these mistakes, don’t worry—decorating is all about experimentation. At Happy Home Dallas, we can help you:
Determine the right layout for your space
Select curtains, rugs, and furniture that actually fit
Create custom inspiration boards tailored to your style
💌 Ready to pull it all together? Email twyla@happyhomedallas.com — we’re always ✨happy✨ to help!