Several of my clients have great looking homes! When I first enter, I wonder why are they having me here? But soon I realize they have actually commited some decorating blunders or "Ooops". So perhaps this blog could help with some of the more common areas I see, that could save you from those mistakes

1. Mirrors aren't Art:  If you are afraid of commitment to art, don't be! Art is so full of emotion. Go to a local art purchasing gallery (they are nice and friendly environments, really) to scope out what you really like. What speaks to you. Then find a "knock off" or get a local artist to do a nice rendition you can afford. Or save your money for that piece you absolutley love. Perhaps take a class or better yet, remember what you did learn in school and then do it yourself on a larger scale. You just may surprise yourself. Most of the Art I have purchased for my clients were mark downs. It really isn't very expensive. Shop around! Mirrors are 'ok ' in very specific places (especially small rooms) but as a substitute for Art, nah - - doesn't work.

2. Paint worries:  Paint is the least expensive item in a makeover. You get more "bang for your buck" when you invest in paint. Don't be afraid of colors, light or dark. One of my favorite redesigns was in a home that already had one wall painted in a dark reddish orange, (it's in my portfolio). It looked so great. It was a great balance to the design.  Go for Blue, Green or Yellow as a great selection to bring new life to a home that is beige or white. Paint! It will greatly enhance the look of a room.

3. Be budget conscious:  New interiors don't have to be expensive. Don't spend all your money on fancy accessories that you just can't live without, or just because your friends have the same style. Shop at garage sales, thrift stores. I love a great deal and when I find it, WOW, I love it. Many overstock companies have great deals that just didn't quite sell the first time out at high end stores. Make good use of your dollars!

4. Bad overhead lighting:  Lamps are all the rage these days and they are abunduntly available. If you can't afford wonderful lighting recessed in the ceiling, then get lamps to light the way. Remember to place them in a triangle around the room. Fore instance; when placeing lamps on each side of the sofa and one across the room - would be considered a triangle (from floorplan view). Atmosphere and charm are easily created with awesome lighting.

5. Too much matching:  I once heard Oprah talk about having chairs all different styles because she didn't want to have her casual dining area all "matchy-matchy poo-poo". It is true. A beige sofa with beige pillows and beige carpeting is so unexciting. Mixing up styles and colors are fabulous, if you use the same style or scale to create the correct look. Give the home personality by using color schemes that enhance your rooms- not just safe, boring beige.

6. Symmetry vs. Asymmetry:  Many ameteurs think symmetry is appealing and do it too much. A stronger statement is made with asymmetry. It gives balance with opposite items that enhance rather than take away from the look. Remember symmetry was created as a classical style idea that needs to be done carefully or it looks ridgid and yet more ridiculous.

7. Hanging Art is an Art:  The rule is - hang art 4-6 inches above the furniture that is harnessing it and hang items as a gallery effect at eye level, (around 60-70 inches from the floor) where it can be viewed by walking up to it. Purchase appropriate hardware, nails and hooks, etc. plus a level so they hang without you needing to tilt your head.

8. Floating rugs: This is defined by a rug just in the middle of the room without anything to anchor it down to the space. More for esthetics but also for safety; I've heard of people actually being injured. The rule is the legs of the sofa or loveseat or chairs need to be on top of the rug by 3-4 inches at least. This give a cozy conversation area a better look which also creates a more appealing grouping.

9. Toilet hugging rugs: Speaking of rugs, please remove all of the carpeting, rugs and especially the ones that go directly beneath the toilet. Yuk, they are gross. Simple use of a bath mat over the bathtub placed on the floor during bathing, is much better. Placing it up on the tub is much nicer! Carpeting in a bathroom is so out - yuk!!

10. Half dead plants: They are not "pretty' and they need to be replaced or nurtured faithfully back to health. If you can't keep them green, please consider artificial greenery that is "real" looking. There are some amazing products out there now that have been painstakingly made to look very real, really. Go for the more expensive products not the cheap and therefore looking cheap and fake. You want 'pretty' , 'expensive' or the actual real green stuff.

If you are wondering if you are making these mistakes, perhaps we should schedule The Entry, to turn you in the right direction.

Renae