| Choosing paint colors, furniture layouts and other design elements can be one of the most exciting aspects of setting up a new home — or the most daunting. Here are four common errors many homeowners fall victim to and tips for remedying them.
Pushing Furniture Against Walls
Backing furniture against the wall doesn’t create an airy feel; it usually leads to an awkward space in the middle of the room. Instead, try floating pieces to establish conversation areas, or place everything just a few inches closer to the center. Ensure a free flow of traffic through the room by keeping a clear path at all times.
Using Rugs That Are Too Small
An undersized rug detracts from the real eye-catching features of a room. Ideally, an area rug should be large enough to fit beneath all the legs of your furniture. If you’re looking to avoid the cost of an enormous rug, try two smaller ones placed side by side for the same effect.
Hanging Art Too High
Homeowners often hang art at eye level, which is a common rule of thumb, but that can be confusing since height varies. Try a more specific tip used by most galleries: Hang artwork so the center of the piece is 57 inches from the floor.
Relying on a Single Light Source
Using overhead fixtures as the only source of light in a room can lead to unpleasant shadows. Add layers of lightwith a floor lamp, a couple table lamps and maybe an accent light on a piece of art. This will produce pools of light — a hallmark of a well-designed room.
Being mindful of these common slip-ups can make a big difference in how you feel about your overall space.
Bill Asta, Ssnior Loan Officer, Radius Financial Group |
Marshfield Real Estate 