Here’s Why That Room Is All Wrong

“Everybody makes at least one,” Lauri Ward says of the 10 basic mistakes she has observed in home decorating. Here’s her list:

1. Undefined priorities: Are you owning or renting, and for how long? This can dictate many furniture decisions.

2. An uncomfortable conversation area: Intimate conversation is preferred over screaming across the room.

3. Poor furniture placement: Every room should invite you in and offer smooth traffic patterns.

4. An off-balance room: This is affected both by the placement of furniture and the size of each piece--is everything bottom-heavy?

5. Furniture of different heights: The less work your eye has to do, the more comfortable it is--no roller coasters.

6. A room that lacks a cohesive look: Nature loves pairs--they create instant symmetry and don’t have to be boring.

7. An overlooked focal point: A visual anchor such as a fireplace or a great view. It is generally large and is not a piece of furniture.

8. Improper use of artwork: Lower everything by three inches--there is no such thing as “eye level.”

9. Ineffective use of accessories: Group your “stuff” and leave some breathing room.

10. Incorrect use of lighting: Tiny bedroom lamps in the living room and monstrous living room lamps in the bedroom are common.