Decorating Dont's

There are so many possibilities when it comes to decorating your home that some are bound to be bad. Here are some quick tips on decorating dont's that will save you from decorating blunders! 

DON'T: Buy an Entire Matching Set

Just because a store showcases a sofa, love seat, chair table and ottoman as a set doesn't mean you have to buy every piece. Try mixing and matching colours and patterns and change things up! 

Traditional Living Room by El Monte Furniture & Accessories Vons Furniture

DON'T: Pick a Paint Colour in the Store

Stores have horrible lighting and if you choose a colour in the store it might look completely different on your walls. For the best perspective, poke a hole in a piece of white paper, hold the swatch behind it and the colour will be unadulterated. Read more on paint colours here.  

Contemporary Staircase by Los Angeles Photographers Alex Amend Photography

DON'T: Over Accent

Too much of one thing can look overdone. It's fine to introduce an accent piece, like pillows or a throw but remember less is more! 

Traditional Family Room by Pasadena Interior Designers & Decorators Diane Bennett Bedford


DON'T: Clutter 

Random tchotchkes placed around a room can created a cluttered look. Angle statues, children's pottery and mismatched candlesticks are common mistakes. Edit your oversized collection as much as possible and try rotating a few pieces seasonally. Read more on accessorizing here. 

Eclectic Home Office by Tulsa Media & Bloggers Cozy Little House

DON'T: Select Busy Textiles 

When you're choosing drapes, tablecloths and upholstery fabrics avoid heavy ruffles or too much fringe. Clean lines are better and give a timeless look. If you opt for a loud print use that piece as the room's focus.

Eclectic Dining Room by Athens Photographers Corynne Pless

I hope these decorating don'ts have helped and will save you from any future decorating missteps!  

Eco-Friendly Paint

This weeks blog post is written by guest-blogger Lawvin Hadisi. Lawvin blogs about eco-friendly options and swapping products for a better option. You can visit her blog here for more information on eco-friendly products. If you are interested in learning more on paint colours read my previous blog post here.  

Why Use Eco-Friendly Paint?

Painting our bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms have become a unique way to express our personality. As paint covers our home's walls it is important we choose brands that are eco-friendly and made from natural ingredients.

Popular paint brands often convince buyers with their low prices for “quality product.” Their paints are created in huge manufacturing plants, contain many different chemicals and low quality ingredients. We never think that the chemicals in our paint stay on the wall, but they do, and for months after we inhale these chemicals.

Health Benefits: 

Little did we know, the harsh smell omitted from painting derives from volatile organic compounds (VOCs.) Included in these compounds are chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene which have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems and damage to the ozone layer.

Natural paints can be found in all home improvement stores and are becoming a popular item. They are normally made from milk and clay based formulas, free of chemical ingredients and VOCs. The raw ingredients are naturally derived and include no synthetic ingredients that linger on your walls.

Will You Make the Swap?

Natural paints also use less energy to make versus conventional latex paints because of the minimal processed ingredients used. They are more breathable and create a better room climate, preventing moisture problems. This is due to the plastic like coating on your walls that comes from conventional latex paints.


Eco-Friendly Paint Brands: 

Unearthed Paints

ECOS Paints

Mythic Paint

Sherwin Williams

Benjamin Moore Natural Paint

Cheap Chic: Decorating on a Budget

For those who love interior decorating but can't afford the price tags that come along with it here are some solutions for decorating on a budget! Use these ideas to create a cheap chic look in your home!

Thrift Shops and Flea Markets:

Know when to splurge on a piece and when you can get away with a bargain. Thrift stores and flea markets provide great alternatives where you can purchase unique pieces for less. In the picture below although the pieces are older they add a rustic feel. When mixed with newer and feminine pieces you  achieve a stylish balance. 

Eclectic Patio by London Photographers 

Painting Furniture: 

Painting an old piece of furniture can add new life to a room. Have a look at my previous post on antiquing as this also provides a great and affordable way to change up the look of old furniture. If you are going for a posh and modern feel try adding a glossy black coat of paint to existing furniture. 

Traditional Bedroom by Aspen Architects & Designers Rybak Architecture & Development, P.C.

Do It Yourself Artwork: 

Artwork can be expensive so instead of buying get creative! Collages made from wrapping paper or wallpaper scraps can add visual interest to a room and are affordable. If you want a bigger challenge you could try painting a canvas with left over paint from a previous project. Place your homemade art in frames and brighten up your space!

Eclectic Living Room by Dallas Interior Designers & Decorators Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25

Accessorize: 

Accessorize with standing floor vases, plump floor cushions and pillar candles. These items have an elegant feel to them and will add an expensive feeling to any room. A little accessorizing goes a long way! Read more about accessorizing your home here.

Spaces by Ellijay Interior Designers & Decorators decordemon

Use Black and White: 

Decorate with black and white as these colours never go out of style. When you combine black and white your space will look dramatic and give the feel that the price tag was much higher than the actual cost! You cannot go wrong with this classic colour scheme. 

Contemporary Living Room

Take it from a student who is moving away from home for the first time: these tips will save you money and create the ultimate cheap chic look!