Decorating mistakes

1. Catalogue replicas
A room that looks like it’s a page that has just been pulled right out from a catalogue/ brochure is usually not a practical room. People don’t really live that way daily. Such rooms are designed to show you possibilities of how certain items can be applied. It is also an opportunity for manufacturers to sell their furniture/ products.

Solution: Create a lived-in look.
Create a welcoming eclectic look and not a showroom you can barely live in or one your visitors will be conscious of sitting in. Have accessories that compliment your life style/ current living arrangement i.e. white carpet, white walls, yellow chairs, bits and pieces of collectibles thrown around as accents can never work if you have children between the ages of 6months and three years! Not only are you in danger of losing the items but also having stains of juice, food etc all over your white...Something’s got to give! Keep in vogue while remaining practical.

2. Lopsided furniture
This can basically be called un-even furniture with one side lower or smaller than the other. For example, if you have a couch with a heavy bottom, teaming it up with a chunky coffee table would not be prudent at all. This would create a heavy, crowded room creating the sense of no freedom.
Solution: Try to find a balance of your furniture and space.
3. Improper lighting
Just because you are living in rented property with a pre-existing mode of lighting does not mean that you are required to keep it. There is appropriate lighting for different times of the day and tasks. Dimmer switches are a great secret weapon and give an entire range of control of the mood and feeling of a space.

Solution: Functional lighting
Changing your lighting system doesn’t necessarily have to include breaking or chiselling of walls. A single pendant light can be replaced by a three-piece chandelier...more bulbs, more light!
Alternatively, a unit of spot lights can be installed. The function of the room determines the lighting required. For example, for task areas like under kitchen cabinets, reading table more light intensity is required. For resting or relaxing spaced warm, dim or dull lighting would be appropriate.
An easy way to have this is to install dimmer switches, these give you control of the mood in a space.

Make a Statement
This is not as difficult as some people think. Use paint or patterned wallpaper to add colour and texture or hang a beautiful mirror, tapestry, elaborate clock or painting. A mirror is especially great because it reflects light making the room seem brighter and glam plus it creates the illusion of more space.

-Gloria Kawuma is an interior designer