How Not to Decorate: 5 Hints for Home Design

Whether you're getting ready to move into a new home, or finally upgrading your existing d�cor, implementing a new design scheme can be far less stressful when you are properly prepared and informed on what not to do. There are many key components that facilitate a fuss-free decorating experience and help you meet all of your aesthetic expectations.

"When you're preparing to decorate a space, it's important to understand how all of the different design components will work most effectively together," says Paula Berberian, Creative Director of WallPops, the premier line of peel-and-stick wall art from Brewster Home Fashions. "Flooring, furniture, walls and accessories all contribute to the overall ambiance, and it's essential that they all complement one another." Below, Berberian shares her five pre-decorating don'ts, and reveals how these steps can make the decorating process simple and seamless.

1. Don't forget to do your research.
Before beginning a decorating project, it's important to have a firm handle on the design look you'd like to achieve. Frequently browsing through home d�cor magazines is an easy way to become familiar with a variety of designs, and you can tear out your favorite pages to serve as inspiration. Pinterest is another impressive resource for discovering new designs, and you can even create customized boards for every room in your apartment or house.

2.Don't rush to commit to paint or wall d�cor.
"One of the biggest complaints I hear from people in the decorating process is that they painted their walls or installed art first thing and later regretted the results," explains Berberian. It's difficult to visualize how an empty space will look after it's filled with furniture and accessories, and paint is a hefty commitment that can become an unwanted hassle if you change your mind. As a fun, affordable alternative, try applying an easily removable and damage-free wall covering, which adds a chic and sophisticated element to any room.

3.Don't disregard the rules of size and scale.
Measuring a room before you go furniture shopping sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised by how many people end up bringing home pieces that overwhelm their room. Be especially cautious when purchasing furniture sets because they tend to be more bulky, and remember to reserve enough space so that pieces like sofas and chairs can float rather than back up against the walls.

4.Don't neglect smaller spaces.
"When you are decorating an entire home or even a modest apartment, there are nooks and crannies to fill that you might forget about, like the powder room or foyer," says Berberian. "But a great feature of those smaller spaces is that a little bit of d�cor goes a long way." An easy way to enhance these small spaces is with a modern spin on a traditional floral painting, for example, like WallPops Des Fleurs Decals, which brighten up walls in a whimsical way. Berberian suggests applying these gem-embellished decals in the bathroom, which is often overlooked when it comes to d�cor, to create your own relaxing retreat.

5.Don't be afraid to re-use and repurpose.
Even if your home is brand new, there are always ways that you can upgrade materials and spaces to create a one-of-a-kind feel. Do a walkthrough of your space before decorating, and note areas where you would like to improve. If you have a surplus of closet space, for example, try removing the doors of one and add a desk to transform it into a cozy home office. Older houses often come chock-full of gems, like an aged barn door that can be easily transformed into a stunning dining table.

"Before beginning a decorating project, take the time to ensure that you won't run into problems down the road," Berberian concludes. With these easy-to-follow tips and tricks, your next home d�cor overhaul will go off without a hitch.