BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN DECORATING THEIR HOMES

interior design planning session with interior images, paint samples, floor plans, and computer

Whether you’re redecorating a home you’ve lived in for decades or choosing new interiors for a home you’ve recently purchased, the choices can feel overwhelming. With so many apps like Pinterest and Instagram showing us beautiful spaces, it can be difficult to focus on just one aesthetic. When everything looks beautiful, how do you decide on the color palette, furniture, appliances, and art? Read on to avoid a common decorating mistake that many homeowners make.

SPOILED FOR CHOICE

For design enthusiasts, one of the biggest joys found online is in the multitude of apps, articles, and images of perfectly-curated interior spaces. Glossy magazines used to be the sole domain of must-have interior design ideas and home décor, and seeing them required an annual subscription or a trip to the magazine rack at a bookstore or pharmacy--we had to actively seek out those images and ideas. But now, access to gorgeous interior architecture is available from our glowing screens 24/7 and it’s, well, seductive.

Pinterest app appearing on an iphone

THE PINTEREST EFFECT

Perhaps one of the handiest apps for sourcing décor ideas, Pinterest is an incredible source of inspiration. One of the first bits of homework we give our clients is to ask them to share with us any Pinterest boards they may have. Inspirational and aspirational, Pinterest boards show us how our clients respond emotionally to colors, textures, design styles, and more.

But one drawback? The plethora of choices can be overwhelming. And once clients do decide on a style, or select a piece of furniture or an accessory, they are sometimes seduced by a new pin they find and decide to change the design.

Paint samples, floor plans, trims assembled on a work surface

INSTAGRAM WORTHY

With the platform absolutely bursting with lifestyle images and videos, Instagram is a go-to source of ideas for interior designers and clients alike. We find that Instagram also appeals to a large age and income demographic, making it a platform that most, if not all, clients routinely use.

But a drawback of Instagram is that it has such a fast turnover of what’s “in” and what’s out, meaning the shelf life of designs can be short. Chasing the latest trends on the platform can be by turns exhilarating and exhausting, and can leave users confused as to what it is they really love when it comes to interior design.

Picture of living room with a superimposed quote: "When you prioritize trends over your own personal style, it can result in spaces that feel impersonal and that quickly become outdated." -Arianna Castro

BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU CAN MAKE WHEN DECORATING A HOME

And that leads us to what interior designer Arianna Castro says is the biggest mistake people make when decorating their interiors: prioritizing trends over personal style.

“When you prioritize trends over your own personal style, it can result in spaces that feel impersonal and that quickly become outdated. Adopting what’s ‘hot’ right now but may not be six months from now, is a way to become frustrated with the outcome.”

Picture of a dining room with a superimposed quote: "Adopting what's 'hot' right now but may not be in six months from now, is a way to become frustrated with the outcome." -Arianna Castro

WHAT TO DO INSTEAD

Arianna recommends reviewing what you’ve been pinning and liking on various platforms and to look for themes. Are there color palettes that you’ve been gravitating to for a while? How about lighting fixtures and accessories? Drawn to art deco, midcentury modern, or maximalist design styles? Your interior designer wants to know. Because once you’ve established the items that have not just piqued your interest but held it, you can focus on those to create a cohesive design.

Another tip? Arianna encourages you to choose furniture and accessories that speak to you—that have an emotional resonance for you. Doing so will help you avoid creating soulless interiors that aren’t a reflection of your interests and lifestyle. Together, you and your interior designer can find timeless ways to incorporate the design elements you love, no matter what era they’re from.

WORK WITH ARIANNA

Need help avoiding interior design mistakes? Arianna is here for you! Four easy ways to get in touch:

1. Call Arianna at: +1 305 608 5408

2. Visit our website to fill out and submit a project information form: https://www.bc2interiors.com/contact-bc2

3. DM Arianna on Instagram @bc2interiors

4. Email us: contact@bc2interiors.com

We look forward to hearing from you and creating an incredible interior design together.