In spite of all the tv shows and online resources available to homeowners it's still a struggle to get our homes looking and feeling just right. There's always something missing and if you feel like you're living in a space that never feels quite finished, you're definitely not alone.
After designing and decorating so many homes I have started to see some common threads emerge. A lot of you are experiencing the same issues and I’m often asked the same questions with new clients. These are the issues that keep you stuck and unable to move forward so let's jump in and address these questions.
TOP 5 DECORATING DILEMMAS KEEPING YOU STUCK
This list doesn't cover nearly all of the issues I see but these are the most common places I see you getting stuck time and time again. If you're really ready for a deep dive, I've also written about decorating with kids and pets, understanding the importance of small details and decorating for winter.
1/ How to Deal With Bad Lighting
Lighting is such an essential element of good design. A poorly lit room feels dull and lifeless but it also makes it hard to take full advantage of the room if you can't see well. Aside from watching tv or looking at your phone there's little that can be done in an underlit space. This is often the case in older homes that don't have recessed lighting and rely on a single fixture to illuminate the entire space.
SOLUTION: ADD TABLE AND FLOOR LAMPS
This is a fast, easy and relatively inexpensive way to turn a dull, underlit room into a usable and bright space.
Having lamps will instantly brighten the room but there's another advantage and that's adding light at varying heights. This will help to wash the walls with light at both eye level and above.
A lamp with a 3 way selection is the best option as it gives you the ability to control how much light you use. This is a great way to fill corners that don't always need a blast of full light.
When a room is underlit be sure to use warm light bulbs as opposed to a cooler one because the warmth will help to create a feeling of coziness. If you want to learn about the 3 types of lighting that every room should have, read this post.
2/ Having a Limited Budget
This is the most draining and stressful issue for homeowners who want to make big changes in their home. A limited budget doesn't have to be the end of a good room though.
SOLUTION: USE A HIGH/LOW METHOD
Not every item you buy for a decorating project needs to be really expensive to look great. The best way to tackle your limited budget is to select some items that are a splurge and let the rest be budget friendly purchases.
For example, great artwork doesn't have to be expensive, one of a kind pieces. There are so many sites like Etsy, Minted and Society 6 online that sell original artwork at really reasonable prices. If original art doesn't matter to you there are lots of great prints available to purchase at some of the large retailers like West Elm and Crate & Barrel.
Look for small decor items like bowls, candles and books that can be sourced for very little money both at discount retailers like HomeSense as well as at some of the larger retailers.
When it comes to deciding where to splurge I'd say invest in a great area rug and upholstered pieces like your sofa and chairs. These are the pieces that you can keep forever if you invest well the first time.
3/ Using the Wrong Size Rug
As a designer, this is the most common mistake I see in clients' homes. It's extremely rare to see a rug that's too large and almost always the culprit is a rug that's way too small. This is usually done as a way to save money but it's not worth the savings. The too-small rug is making your entire room look and feel off. When a rug is floating in the middle of a seating arrangement it makes the entire space feel a little cheap.
SOLUTION: PURCHASE THE LARGEST SIZE YOU CAN AFFORD
There are a lot of rugs sold inexpensively and seem like a great deal but your first consideration should always be size. I see too many 5'x8' rugs in living rooms and unless you live in a very small space that will always be too small.
As a general rule, always be sure to place your rug so that the front legs of your sofa and chairs are sitting on the rug. I prefer to see a third of the item sitting on the rug if that's possible. For most rooms, a 8'x10' rug is a good size but always take some measurements before you go shopping because you may need even larger than that.
Generally, this is a place to splurge so buy the best size rug in the best material and you'll have it for life. A great designer tip to know for those who need a rug but are on a budget is to visit carpet galleries looking for remnants. I've been able to find beautiful wool carpets and have it cut and bound for very little money and it looks like a million dollars in the end.
4/ Not Sure How to Mix Patterns
When we don't trust our own design instincts we end up using solid fabric throughout our space. This applies to the upholstery of the soft furniture as well as pillows, throws and rugs. While I love a solid fabric, most rooms will benefit from a bit of pattern.
SOLUTION: PLAY WITH SCALE
Even a set of pillows with a floral or stripe will add instant personality to your space but if you want to add multiple patterns the secret is scale.
As a rule of thumb, incorporate the small, medium, large rule. That means you can have a small floral paired with a medium stripe and a large geometric pattern. It works even better if you have a common colour that runs through each of the patterns.
You'll find it's surprisingly easy to play with pattern just by learning and incorporating this simple rule. And the tip works for your closet as well. If you love wearing patterns but don't know how to make it work, apply the same rule.
5/ Using White Paint in Dark Rooms
We're definitely seeing a resurgence of colour in our homes again but I still see quite a lot of white. I love a white room when it's the right lighting but it can also look dingy and create shadows in corners when it's a too-dark room. Generally white is best in rooms that have a lot of natural light. This allows the white to shine without those dark corners.
SOLUTION: ADD COLOUR TO YOUR DARK SPACES
I know it sounds counterintuitive but colour, even a cream or tan paint will brighten up a dark room more effectively than white paint.
Most of you are worried about going too dark in a dark room and making the issue worse than it was. I wouldn't suggest black walls in a dark space but dark paint won't make your space appear darker or smaller. Adding colour to a space can help give it personality and make it feel vibrant.
If you want to learn about what's trending for paint colours in 2025, read this post.
I hope that helps you navigate through some of the most common decorating dilemmas. If you feel you still need help, check out my services page on my website. I can help with all your decorating and design needs.
