There are countless chances to make mistakes in life — and decorating your home is no exception.
Maybe you’ve made a few decorating blunders yourself. I know I have.
So what is the most regrettable decorating mistake you’ve ever made?
Painting a room the wrong color? Ordering a sofa that’s the wrong size? Buying a freestanding cabinet that won’t fit up the stairs?
There are so many ways things can go sideways.
One of the biggest regrets I see is simply not following your own heart when decorating.
Sometimes we lose the inspiration in our homes because we:
- worry too much about what others will think.
- copy someone else’s style or advice instead of choosing what truly speaks to us.
- choose what feels like the safest option rather than what we love.
- fear making a mistake.
- don’t know how to bring together the elements that reflect our taste.
- stay stuck and don’t make any changes at all.
When decisions are driven by peer pressure, fear, or worry, a home rarely reflects your true self.
Even when we follow our heart, we can still make mistakes — sometimes many. That’s okay. Most design errors aren’t permanent. Trying things and having fun with your home is how you discover what works, what you love, and what feels right. Big purchases deserve careful thought, since mistakes can be costly, but many smaller missteps are easy to correct.
Often a misstep becomes a happy accident. A decision that felt wrong at first can spark creativity and lead to an unexpected result you love even more than your original plan.
Taking a risk or experimenting can help you build a home that truly resonates with you.
Putting your heart and imagination into the process, and worrying less about perfection, brings more joy.
A home you love takes time to create — let the process be enjoyable.
A home that sparks joy and connection is worth taking a risk for, don’t you think?
What decorating mistakes have you made? Did any become a happy accident? I’d love to hear about them.
PS. I’ll share a happy decorating story soon — it was unexpected and I love how it turned out!
Photos: House & Home
Related blog posts:
Make Your Home Your Own
How to Decorate: The Slow Process to a Style You’ll Love
Catch up on my 2020 Fall Nesting Series:
Tips to Decorate Your Fall Living Room
Cozy Fall Throw Blankets
My Favorite Fall Decor in My Cozy Fall Shop
14 Ideas for a Cozy Fall Kitchen
Make Your Home the Coziest It Can Be (3 Take Away Tips)
Fall Puttering Playlist
Cozy Self-Care Corner Must-Haves
Four Essential Home Making Practices for Every Season
Fall Nesting and Doormats
How to Dwell Well This Fall
How to Decorate with Faux Fall Foliage
Timeless Pieces for Your Home
Hospitality and Joy are Not Cancelled (Decorate your Porch)
How to Make Your Home Smell Cozy and Inviting
How to Create a Memorable Fall Home + Cozy Diffuser Blends