Design Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating a Luxury Home
Imagine driving through the tree-lined streets of Palo Alto, pulling up to a home that looks more like a five-star hotel. As you step inside, something feels off. The interior looks, well… cheap. There’s that one thing that interior designers (and the fashionable crowd) will notice right away. What is it? Accessories.
Just like a Cartier diamond necklace can elevate a little black dress to haute couture, the right accessories can transform a house into a home of unparalleled luxury. In high-end interior design, the devil is in the details. It’s not just about filling space; it’s about curating an experience that reflects your unique lifestyle.
Here are some common missteps that can make even the most lavish interiors feel underwhelming. Are any of these lurking in your home?
Mistake #1: Generic Floral Arrangements
Why it’s Wrong: Nothing says “afterthought” like a bouquet in a bland, ubiquitous vase straight from the grocery store. Underwhelming to say the least.
How to Do it Right: Instead, make a statement with thoughtfully arranged fresh flowers that complement your room’s color scheme and aesthetic. Choose a distinctive vase, whether it’s a sleek and modern or a vintage ceramic with character. It’s these deliberate, refined choices that transform a space.
Mistake #2: Mismatched Knick-Knacks
Why it’s Wrong: A $20 HomeGoods snow globe on top of a priceless antique? That’s a hard no. The accessories you choose should reflect the value and character of your home — not undermine it.
How to Do It Right: Let your home tell a story — one that can’t be told through mass-produced objects from big-box stores. Thoughtfully curated accessories add personality, bringing a unique and personal touch to your home. Artisanal pottery pieces, vintage heirlooms, or a one-of-a-kind sculpture can serve as conversation starters and reflect your refined taste.
Mistake #3: Improperly Scaled Art
Why it’s Wrong: Choosing art for your home is, well, an art. While online shopping makes it tempting to “add to cart,” pause and consider a few important factors. Art that is improperly scaled can actually shrink your furniture, making the room feel unbalanced and overwhelming. On the flip side, art that’s too small can easily get lost, failing to make any impact at all.
How to Do it Right: Art needs to be carefully curated. It should reflect your personal taste and match the scale of the room. Always measure the wall space before you shop, and consider the scale of nearby furniture. If you’re hesitant, use painter’s tape to create a visual mock-up on your wall. Still unsure? This is when a pro can really make a difference. (Hint: Designer on Demand is perfect for this.)
Mistake #4: Flat, Lifeless Pillows
Why it’s Wrong: They might seem like a minor detail, but pillows play a significant role in adding color, texture, and depth to your living spaces. Flat, lifeless pillows will quickly make your furnishings look neglected and unwelcoming, detracting from the luxurious vibe of your home.
How to Do it Right: Opt for plush, well-stuffed pillows that invite comfort and add visual interest. Invest in high-quality materials and fillings and combine various textures and complementary colors to create a layered, engaging look.
Large homes need more than just furniture to feel complete — they need a thoughtful selection of high-quality accessories. It’s a common oversight to think you can pull this off solo, but just like a Rolex paired with a bespoke suit or Louboutin heels and a perfectly tailored dress, it’s the final touches that truly bring a look together.
When you’re ready to take your home to the next level, you know where to find us.
Cheers,
Melanie