6 Decorating Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

Mistake #1: Putting Everything You Love in the Living Room

"Edit, edit, edit! Look at those rooms you love in your favorite magazines; I'm willing to bet editing is one magic trick that made them look so good! Count the number of objects on the coffee table, how many throw rugs are on the floor, the number of framed photos and knickknacks on mantels, tabletops and shelving. Experiment with your own space by taking a few things away. Try to group similar collections in a single spot. I'm no minimalist ... but I see editing as a way to make your favorite pieces stand out and to create a space that feels supportive, not overwhelming." — Holly Becker, author of Decorate Workshop: Design and Style Your Space in 8 Creative Steps (Chronicle)