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How to Solve the 5 Most Common Decorating Problems

by: Shannon Acheson posted on:
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Decorating your home can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. I’ve been there—feeling frustrated when a space doesn’t quite work the way I imagined. The good news? These common decorating problems have solutions that don’t require hiring a professional. Let me show you how to fix them so you can feel proud of your home.

Shannon with her hands on her head looking frazzled in the dining room.

If you’re tackling design challenges, you’ll also love my post on how to get cohesive flow in your home. It’s full of actionable tips to create a beautifully connected home that still reflects your personal style.

5 Common Decorating Problems and How to Solve Them

Here’s a breakdown of five common decorating mistakes—and practical solutions to fix them.

1. Things Don’t Flow from One Space to the Next

We all want that seamless look where each room feels like it belongs while maintaining its own personality. But achieving cohesive flow doesn’t just happen—it requires thoughtful planning.

Solution:

  • Use a consistent color palette throughout your home. Choose one base color and two or three complementary accent colors.
  • Repeat similar materials, textures, or patterns in different rooms to create visual connections. For instance, use the same type of wood or metallic finishes across spaces.
  • Incorporate transition pieces like rugs, curtains, or wall art that tie adjacent rooms together.

If you’re working with mismatched finishes in an older home, blend them by choosing complementary shades or painting elements to match.

➡️ Get even more tips in my guide to achieving cohesive decor in your home.

Non centered light photo

2. The Rooms and Spaces in Your Home Are Small

Small spaces can feel limiting, but with the right tricks, you can make them feel open, airy, and functional. Trust me, I know from experience! My family spent years living in small homes, and we learned how to maximize every inch.

Solution:

  • Use light, neutral colors to make the room feel bigger and brighter.
  • Opt for multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with hidden storage or fold-out tables.
  • Embrace vertical storage by adding shelves or hooks to walls.
  • Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.

➡️ Ready for more ideas? Don’t miss my post on 8 ways to make a small space look bigger.

3. You Can’t Seem to Pick the Right Paint Colors

Choosing the perfect paint color can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there, painting a room only to realize the color was completely wrong once it dried. But I’ve learned a few tricks to get it right the first time.

Solution:

  • Test paint samples on your walls and observe how they look at different times of the day.
  • Learn about undertones (is that white paint cool or warm?) to avoid clashing with your decor.
  • Stick to neutral tones for larger areas and add pops of color with decor accents.
  • Avoid one common mistake: choosing paint based on how it looks in the can or in someone else’s house.

➡️ Need a step-by-step guide? Check out 7 steps to choosing the perfect paint color.

4. The Area Rugs You Choose Don’t Look Quite Right

A rug can completely transform a room—if it’s the right size. Too often, people choose rugs that are too small, which makes the space feel disconnected.

Solution:

  • Follow this rule of thumb: The rug should be large enough to anchor your furniture. Ideally, all furniture front legs should rest on the rug.
  • In dining areas, choose a rug that’s large enough for chairs to stay on it, even when pulled out.
  • Layer rugs for added interest, especially if you have a smaller statement rug.

➡️ Not sure where to start? My post on choosing the right rug size has you covered.

5. Your Space Has More Than One Focal Point

A room with multiple focal points can feel chaotic. Whether it’s a fireplace competing with a TV or a bold gallery wall clashing with oversized furniture, too many focal points leave the space feeling unbalanced.

Solution:

  • Decide on the primary focal point for the room (e.g., a fireplace, large window, or statement piece of art).
  • Downplay secondary focal points by simplifying decor around them or choosing more neutral finishes.
  • Arrange furniture to direct attention to the main focal point, making the room feel intentional and harmonious.

➡️ Learn how to manage competing focal points in my post on decorating for balance and harmony.

FAQs

How can I make my small room look bigger without spending a fortune?

Focus on simple tricks like painting with light colors, using mirrors, and decluttering. Vertical storage solutions can also make a big difference.

What’s the key to choosing the right paint color for my space?

Test paint samples in your actual room at different times of the day. Pay attention to undertones and how they interact with your furniture and lighting.

How do I fix flow in a home with mismatched flooring or finishes?

Blend finishes with complementary paint or decor elements. Use rugs, art, or textiles to tie rooms together visually.

What’s the most common mistake people make with area rugs?

Choosing a rug that’s too small! Always ensure your rug anchors the furniture in the space.

More Decorating Tips

Decorating your home is a journey full of trial and error, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. These common decorating problems might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right solutions, they’re completely manageable. Remember, your home doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to feel like you.

Have you run into any of these issues in your home? I’d love to hear how you solved them in the comments below!

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