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DON'T: Ignore your heart. Choosing to go against your natural instincts often leads to regret. Don't be afraid to trust yourself regarding a design decision you are truly passionate about.

DO: Start small. If you have always loved yellow, or any other color, do not subdue your affection by going with something that's second best. A small powder room is the perfect testing ground in which to go bold until you become more confident in your decorating choices.
by Diane Bergeron Interiors  
DON'T: Follow trends religiously. Constantly redesigning your space to reflect the latest trends leaves no room to insert your own creativity. It can also be both expensive and exhausting.

DO: Design a space that contains the classics you love. Then accessorize with a few trendy pieces that actually speak to your design aesthetic. In this family room, blue slipcovers and pillow covers allow for versatility when the next cool trend arises.
by Diane Bergeron Interiors  
DON'T: Overcrowd your space. Outfitting a room with items that are traditionally found in the space can sometimes be too much of a good thing.

DO: Be selective. Decide what items you need in a room for it to function for your lifestyle. Next decide which of those functional items can dually serve as decoration. In this kitchen a bright collection of cookbooks demonstrates what's essential for this cook and adds jolts of color to a blank canvas.
by Diane Bergeron Interiors
DON'T: Work without a plan. Designing a space without a plan is like a novice cook preparing a meal without a recipe. The end result has a greater chance of being lackluster, unpalatable and a waste of ingredients.

DO: Gather your resources. A recipe for a well-designed space contains a list of desired functions, a space plan, inspiration photos, a budget and a list of fabulous finds. Having these in one central place will keep you focused and on the path to a delectable design.
by Diane Bergeron Interiors  
DON'T: Try to do it all at once. A weekend shopping spree provides instant gratification. While you may be in love with the newness of the room, it will eventually wear off when you realize the room is full of thoughtless purchases.

The framed flag shown here has great significance to the homeowner. It's a wonderful focal point for the beginning of an elaborate gallery wall.
by Thom Filicia Inc.
DO: Be patient as you build a collection.

In the same home office shown in the previous photo, a trio of framed black and white photographs also makes an impact as the homeowner waits to acquire other meaningful pieces.
by Thom Filicia Inc.
DON'T: Be a copycat. Grossly duplicating someone else's design essentially means you re-created a space for them in your home. By doing this you have satisfied their wants and needs instead of your own.

DO: Do your own homework. There's nothing wrong with using a designed space as a catalyst for your project. But then take the next step and ask yourself what attracts you to it. Is it the vibrant Missoni rug that makes your heart leap, or is it the perfect furniture plan for your family room? Then build your design based on your own wishes.
by Jeri Koegel Photography  

Comments

Amy Renea brilliantly said Erika!
6 months ago · ·
sarah waldin As always Erika, very useful, practical and relatable work and suggestions. thank you so much for sharing - and making us all better at what we are trying to do with our own spaces.
6 months ago · ·
mustang2009 Excellent advice! I recognised a few of my own decorating mistakes in this article! Thanks for putting me on the right track!
6 months ago · ·
Cathy Cowdroy Thanks Erika! Great images to go with very sound advice. I have the fortunate problem of planning a new house, so have to make lots of design decisions. Your reminders have been perfectly timed!
6 months ago · ·
olldbobbi "Don't follow trends religiously" Well said. If you don't like stainless steel appliances or chandeliers, don't buy them just because they're 'hot'. Eventually something else will take their place, and then what? You get to replace them all over again!
6 months ago · ·
engineerchic I like the advice about not doing it all in a weekend. It makes me feel better about my slow decorating progress!
6 months ago · ·
nasafemme You are a wise woman, Erika. Your posts always speak to me.
6 months ago · ·
patricia beharry "Don't follow trends religiously" stainless steel appliances and chandeliers, I will also add GRANITE counter tops. Also design for yourself, not for the person you would eventually sell your home to.
6 months ago · ·
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Good tips!
6 months ago · ·
marcie31 Ha - I thought the yellow-zebra wallpaper was finally going to be on the "don't" list. I'm sorry, but it's hideous. IMO.
6 months ago · ·
allterrain Great post.
6 months ago · ·
CAROLE MEYER Very good advice!!
6 months ago · ·
Mercy Me OTOH, don't run away from granite or stainless steel just because someone says they're no longer hot or trendy.
6 months ago · ·
middleofnowhere When I first moved to where I am now, I went on a "weekend buying spree" that I now really regret. I got items that reflected the style of the area, but not my own taste. Lesson well-learned. Also, don't buy furniture at the place your sister-in-law shops!
6 months ago · ·
morgana44 And if every designer is painting every wall white or beige or gray and YOU love red or navy blue or apple green...paint the walls the colors you love and forget the 'current' color trend. That's my two cents worth to a very smart ideabook.
6 months ago · ·
patricia beharry not getting off the subject, but I spent my whole career in a hospital setting. picture #3, I kept going back to. It suddenly dawned on me what looked so familiar.----All white and stainless steel, With overhead lights right out of the operating room. I am happy for everyone who like this atmosphere, But when I left the hospital, I left the hospital. Give me colour.
6 months ago · ·
lindamckay I read this post before any other messages! Absolutely love the wise and common sense ideas! Linda Brown
6 months ago · ·
fredericklc This advice will work in all walks of life. Thanks Erika!
6 months ago · ·
tinabonham Where I currently live~ EVERYONE'S homes both on the inside and outside are decoarted exactly the same~
B O R I N G !!
I'm moving to another town in a few weeks~ and I can't wait to decorate MY STYLE!
I love what you said about copying other's home ideas~ then you create a place for THEM, not YOURSELF!! It's so true! Have your own inspirations and your OWN ideas!! LOVE IT!!
5 months ago · ·
MH Canada Wow some ideas can turn the house to a pretty ugly thing! there should always be a balance in everything! and before implementing an idea, better to really picture it in mind and see if it would look OK.
homesuperstore.ca
4 months ago ·
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