There are many things that can be considered “Dos and Don’ts” in your home. Of course, the obvious things like do clean your space and don’t leave clutter around are a “given.” I am hopeful that you already know these things. 
What I would like to talk about today is those things you might not think about. So, let’s start on some of the “dos” for your home. Ready? Let’s “do” this! See what I did there?! 
Do’s
Pay attention to details. Do the accessories in your space make sense? Color coordinating pillows, rugs and little tchotchkes or knick-knacks are key. Not everything needs to be “matchy-matchy” in fact, it’s best if it’s not. They should have a clear relationship to each other though. For instance, do those blue pillows you love connect with your wall décor or side table knick-knacks? They do if they share a coordinating color or theme such as different values of the same blue or they are both considered coastal, farmhouse, vintage or whatever theme you are trying to achieve.
The picture below shows blue and orange pillows which are considered “coastal” colors. Also, the watercolor whale picture on the wall and the “Beach House” pillow also allude to a nautical theme.
Pay attention to small spaces and corners. These spaces are usually left empty. Possibly because they are small and difficult to decorate. I challenge you to make these tiny spaces in your home interesting to explore and spend time in. The picture below shows a decorative glass jar filled with my most treasured sea shells. This small thing invites one to stop and enjoy what is there. I also have one of my most favorite paintings of the Marblehead Lighthouse in Ohio. This was painted by my close friend Lori Roberts-Cobbledick. So, you see, I saved some of my favorite things for this tiny space.
Maybe you have a small space that would look great with a floor lamp and a comfy chair. Drape a pretty throw over the arm of the chair and you have a cozy place to curl up with a book or magazine that is unusual or unexpected. If this is not possible, how about painting the walls in this small area a different color or hang a photo gallery of interesting landscapes mixed with family photos.
Trust your feelings, your talents. If you really like how your home looks or you are fond of a certain item in your home, then by all means, don’t doubt yourself! We all have different ideas of what is beautiful and your home should be a reflection of that! What is the point of having a home that looks like the cover of a magazine if you hate it and are not comfortable living there? Don’t live with things you don’t like or get rid of something someone else says is not pretty. Unless it was your spouse that said these things. You are on your own if that’s the case! Ha!
Okay. Now for the…drumroll please…
Don’ts
Arrange your furniture proportionally or symmetrically. This will turn a room from beautiful to boring faster than just about ANYTHING! With that being said, your space will need balance, but making sure that everything is equal on each side is just plain…predictable. Now balance, on the other hand, can be unexpected and artful. For instance, you can balance a room with furniture by placing the largest piece, say your sofa at one end of the room and two accent chairs with a side table in between at the other end. You see, each side is visually equal in weight, but contain different pieces of furniture. Another rule with symmetry is do not push all of your furniture up against the walls. This will make a room look smaller and somewhat cluttered. Instead, opt for smaller pieces and create different seating areas in the room.
Forget key pieces. Lighting for example. What good is a beautiful room if you can only see it during the day. Lighting has always been the most difficult for me to decide. There are so many options and I really don’t want to get it wrong. But at the end of the day, you kinda need to see. 😉
Pile too many pillows on the sofa! I have many many MANY pillows, but if my guests can’t find a place to sit, well then…yeah. So instead, I rotate my pillows with the seasons. I also like to arrange extra pillows in my basket or on the floor next to the sofa. Also, instead of buying more pillows, buy just the covers. This was you can switch them out and store the extra covers in the linen closet!
I hope this helps clear up any questions you might have when it comes to making your space feel like home. Please leave me a comment below and tell me your decorating tribulations and triumphs! I would love to hear from you!
— Danielle
