Walking into a family home, there are a few common things you might see. This isn’t referring to coats hanging up on pegs and shoes of all sizes in a row, either. There are many decor cliches you’ll find around most family homes. There’s nothing necessarily wrong with these, but if you want a unique space, you should probably avoid them. I’m about to decorate my living room and I’m keen to create a homely but unique space for us. Here are some family room decor cliches you should probably avoid if you want the same. If all else fails, I’ll be happy with a new floor and fireplace!
Trying Too Hard To Develop A Style Or Personality
When you try too hard to develop a style or personality in your family room, it kind of shows. It usually looks fake, inauthentic and try hard. Just look at real old Victorian houses and homes that belong to the older generation. They didn’t think too hard about what they were going to include, or what they should include. They accumulated certain items over a number of years, giving the place personality as time wore on. If you try too hard and pick things because it fits in with the ‘theme’ you have in mind, rather than just because you like it, your place won’t have a soul. There are many homes that have ‘theme’ and look OK, but you can tell there’s nothing behind it. If you want your home to represent you and really tell a story, you need to do it right. Don’t fake it!
Over Furnishing
The amount of living rooms you’ll find with way too many furnishings is unbelievable. You really don’t have to fill your entire space with items. In fact, a more minimalistic approach is always better. This doesn’t mean your home won’t have a personality or look boring. It’ll be easier on the eye, easier to maintain, and it’ll make more sense. Choose high quality pieces of furniture from places like House of Oak. Don’t crowd your furniture if you want your room to look it’s best.
Matching Furniture…And Everything Else
You probably know somebody who matches their entire furniture collection. You might really love the pattern, the color, or whatever else it is. But matching your furniture collection is doing your home a big injustice! Mixing and matching your furniture will give your home more of a personality, and make it all look so much more interesting. Don’t make things too matchy. Pick a couple of different colors and patterns, and then make sure everything ties in together. You can even clash some things if you like and know how to make it work.
Having Everything Pushed Against The Wall
Lots of people have their furniture pushed up against the wall, as they feel that it creates more space in the middle of the room, I’m guilty of this. However, that doesn’t mean that it makes the room look any better. In fact, having your furniture pulled away from the wall and pulled closer together will make for a more social seating space. Don’t automatically have everything pushed up against the wall.
Your Accent Color Everywhere
If you’ve chosen an accent color, you might be tempted to include it wherever you can. But don’t! It’s OK if you have it on a wall, and then maybe on a couple of pillows or stools, for instance. But don’t include it in every single decor item you pick up, as this is overdoing it. Be smart with your accent color.
The Key To Developing Your Own Unique Look
Now you know what cliches you should avoid, you need to know the key to developing your own unique look. Here are some tips that could help you along the way:
- Take your time. Consider buying one or two pieces of furniture at a time, so you can slowly build up the look of your room. If you rush it, it won’t have a soul!
- Choose colors you won’t get bored of quickly, and avoid trends/fads. This is your home, and you don’t need to worry about it matching the look in the latest magazine.
- Find sites for inspiration and consider making a vision board. You can then see the patterns and what you really like, to help you create a look you’re ecstatic with.
- Make sure it suits your lifestyle. It’s no good having a great looking family room, if you can’t use it the way you would like to!
Hopefully, these family room cliches and tips have helped you work out what you’re going to do in your decor. Remember, this is about you, nobody else. Make sure it suits your tastes and style.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post, all opinions are my own.
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